An independent company will be conducting a second inspection into the safety of a playground slide in Chiswell Green, after it passed the first inspection despite reports of it causing multiple injuries. 

The new slide in Greenwood Park - which cost £39,213.63 - has been the subject of a petition launched calling for its removal, after reports of children breaking bones and suffering from eye injuries began to surface.

A debate over the safety of the slide has been a topic of debate within the community, as some residents believe the design - which includes fast bends - is unsafe.

One resident took to Facebook saying: “There was no safety poster present in August when my child was injured. 

“My child broke their leg on this slide and was in a full cast for nearly two months! 

“It seems lots of other parents and carers have similar stories.”

However, others have contacted St Stephen Parish Council - which is responsible for the park - to cast their "vote" in favour of keeping the slide.

One parent said: "I am a local mum who lives in Chiswell Green with two boys aged eight and 13. I would like to "vote" for keeping the slide in Greenwood Park. 

"I did hear that a young child was hurt whilst using the slide but I do feel parents / carers should make a judgement for themselves as to whether an item of play equipment is suitable, given the age and abilities of their child. I would say it is not suitable for many children if they are aged 5 or below. 

"Greenwood Park has great facilities for children of all ages and it would be a shame if this inclusive use was restricted.

"I strongly believe that what is fun and safe for a three-year-old is not going to be fun for an 8+ year old.”

A spokesperson for the parish council said: “The old slide was removed as it was found to be requiring repairs that could not be made as the slide would not be compliant with current requirements.

“The replacement slide is bespoke to be installed onto the mound and had passed the post-installation inspection, as does all of our new play equipment before being permitted to be open for public use.

“Following the temporary closure of the slide the manufacturer has now sent an engineer out who has verbally confirmed the slide is not in need of repair, and will be forwarding a report to us shortly.”

The manufacturer has arranged for the another company to inspect the slide on the week of November 11, to provide supporting information for safety and compliance.