NORTH Tawton Town Council has approved a quotation for the repair of a piece of play equipment, which broke just one week after an inspection.

At a meeting, councillors heard that the balance bridge connecting two parts of a larger climbing frame in Memorial Park collapsed due to water ingress through degraded and shrunken grommets which damaged the steel fittings.

They approved a £960 payment for the repair of the swing hoops and replacement of the balance bridge supports and anchor points with stainless steel alternatives.

Councillors agreed that the repairs would extend the life of the climbing frame but that older pieces of play equipment in the park playground would also need eventual replacement.

However, a member of the public has questioned whether the degradation of the grommets holding the balance bridge in place is the whole story and has raised the possibility that rotten wood may also have contributed to the failure.