A NEW playground in Cirencester will not be opened because it is too brightly coloured.

Play equipment at the new Corinium Via estate at Kingshill has been in place since last summer.

But metal barriers surround the park and signs are in place to warn children to keep out.

Some residents have complained the play equipment is too brightly coloured and bigger than developer Redrow had been given permission for.

One homeowner, who did not want to be named, said: "It was supposed to be less than half the size than it is now. It's a complete eyesore from the Burford Road - it looks like a fairground."

Cotswold District Council has said the play area would remain off-limits for now because of the complaints.

Mum-of-two Elizabeth Lloyd, who lives opposite the park, said: "My kids have sat and looked at this for the best part of a year. It’s pretty miserable.

“My view is let’s just get it open. At the end of the day it’s a park and we all bought homes knowing it would be built.”

Mum Shelleigh Bailey, who lives nearby, agreed.

“Someone’s complained about it being too bright. I would understand it if it was some cheap metal play park, but it’s actually very nice.

"I think it’s not seen as Cotswolds enough,” Shelleigh said. “It’s a shame for the kids because they have waited a long time to play on it.”

Her nine-year-old son Jack added: "I wish it was open so I could play on it with my scooter."

A Cotswold District Council spokesman said several objections to the play area had been made and as a result the authority wanted to relocate it elsewhere on the site.

However, formal planning permission was needed before this could be done.

He added: "We're all keen to see the play area opening as soon as possible."

Gavin Hill, Technical Director for Redrow Homes, said: "In response to complaints, Redrow has agreed with residents and Cotswold District Council to adjust the colour of the equipment and move a few play items further away from dwellings.”