A popular play area has been closed to the public on health and safety grounds.

The Viking ship playground in Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville, had been due to shut in late March ahead of improvement works set to last until the end of May.

But it has been fenced off several weeks early after an inspection revealed the wooden ship, as well as other equipment and the surfacing, failed to meet health and safety standards.

It means that for youngsters who regularly use the play area, the nearest alternative is a 10-minute walk away in Dane Park.

A November 2021 a report from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found the facilities are continuing to deteriorate and the ship's timber is decaying from the inside out.

On Wednesday, Thanet District Council (TDC) posted a statement on its website, saying: "Our internal playground inspections report that we are unable to economically maintain the existing equipment to an acceptable standard.

"The council has a duty to ensure the health and safety of playground users which is why we have taken the decision to close the Viking ship playground, with immediate effect."

The replacement playground is due to arrive next month.

Meanwhile, the council has installed two-metre high Heras-type fencing to stop people from getting in.

Low-level bushes on the boundary of the playground had to be cut back. The council says no birds or wildlife were visible.

Cllr George Kup, cabinet member for community safety and youth engagement at the council said: “Playgrounds have a hugely positive impact on children’s physical and mental health and I am delighted that we have been granted community parks funding from Kent County Council to provide a high-quality play area, with more inclusive and accessible equipment.

“Without this funding, the play area would remain closed as the council does not currently have the budget to replace it. This would be devastating for the local community.

"We expect the playground, complete with new equipment and safer surfacing, to re-open at the end of May.”

The playground opened in 2009 and was designed to celebrate Thanet’s historic Viking connections.

Situated on the clifftop green along Ethelbert Crescent, it features timber equipment with a large unique Viking play ship, then thought to be the only one in England, which boasts panoramic views out to sea.

Aimed at children up to the age of 14, it also boasts a giant balancing snake in the grass, maze, double width slide, hard-carved Viking figure roundabout, sand play area, King’s throne and basket swing.

The project was undertaken by Thanet council and was the first dedicated play area in Cliftonville West.