A PLAYGROUND which was stripped of all its toys on health and safety grounds is to be re-stocked, it has been confirmed.

Parents were furious and children upset after Durham County Council ruled all equipment must be removed from the small Allergate play area, in Durham City, because an inspection had found it was corroded and unsafe.

After the toys were removed in late 2011, the council said whether any new equipment was installed would depend on a new countywide play strategy, which was still being drawn up.

But now Neville’s Cross county councillors Nigel Martin and Grenville Holland have, between them, contributed £25,000 from their council-allocated neighbourhood funds, covering the entire cost of replacing the facilities.

Coun Martin said tenders were out, the council was awaiting responses and the new play area should be ready for the school summer holidays.

There will be swings, a slide, climbing equipment and more.

Coun Martin said: “It’s an important area for the city. It’s well-used by parents and grandparents with children living nearby.

“It’s been sadly missed by the whole community.

“We were particularly upset by the manner in which the old equipment was taken out without notifying the local councillors.

“I saw the reports and it did need to be taken out but the process was totally inappropriate.”

The toys were removed despite there being no history of accidents.

Last year, more than 250 people signed a petition calling on the council to provide new play equipment at Allergate.

Ruth Chambers, who launched the petition, said: “It’s a happy ending at last. It’s good the money has been allocated and things will go ahead.

“We’ve been waiting since the order went out at Christmas for the new equipment. If it’s ready for the summer holidays that would be very good.”

Confirmation the play equipment will be replaced ends fears that because, following an electoral boundary review, Allergate is no longer part of the Neville’s Cross division, the project could have stalled.

Allergate is now part of the Elvet and Gilesgate division.