A play area on a Workington estate is due to reopen after eight months – but residents warn it is still a job half done.

The gate at Northside’s play area was locked in September by Your Derwent And Solway, which manages it, because the mat under the swings was damaged.

A spokesman for the housing association said the decision was made because the size of the tear created a trip hazard.

She added: “We have now sourced the replacement material and the work is due to be completed next week, weather permitting.”

Beth Dixon, town councillor for the area, lives opposite the park.

She has contacted the housing association several times since the closure to push for its reopening.

She said: “Why should it take this long? I had an email saying the replacement mat was on order on September 18. There’s a lot of children living in Northside and many families don’t have cars. I have a car and can take my kids to Maryport or Allonby, for a lot of families that play area is all they have.”

Mrs Dixon said that although the park was due to reopen, there was still work that needed doing.

She said that some spring bouncers were taken away and never replaced, the gate at the playground was still a temporary one and other games were not fit for purpose.

She added: “There’s a little obstacle course but it’s too big for the kids that use that play area to actually reach the bars. It’s totally not fit for the age range. With the summer holidays coming up, that park is used from eight in the morning until eight at night.

“Although the park was upgraded two years ago, if it isn’t maintained properly it’s just a waste of money.”