PLAYTIME at Colwall Green should soon be more fun for local children now that they have got something to play on.

Residents have been calling for the swing on the green to be replaced ever since Malvern Hills Conservators and RoSPA safety officers condemned the old one nearly a year ago.

Finally this week, three second-hand swings donated by Herefordshire Council, were being erected on the green near Colwall Primary School.

Director of Malvern Hills Conservators Ian Rowat said he apologised to the children for taking such a long time to replace their swing.

"We had to wait for Herefordshire Council to provide the new ones but, hopefully, they will be there for the summer holidays." he said.

"I didn't have any choice but to take the old swing away. An eight-year-old child had been killed in the Mendips playing on a similar swing. I know people thought I was a spoilsport but safety comes first."

Colwall Green mother and child minder Dawn Morris said the children have really missed the play equipment.

"There are now about 34 children living around the green and they are all aged under 12, every other house has 2.4 children, so these new swings will be gratefully used," said Ms Morris, a mum of two children aged five and eight.

She is now hoping the Conservators will cut the grass. But Mr Rowat said there are some rare flowers growing on the green and he is loath to cut them down.

"We could cut the grass around the swings but I think the flowers are quite unique and we have to look at it from a conservation point of view," he said.