Residents of a housing estate near Bicester are frustrated that their local play area is closed.

The playground in Heyford Park, which is managed by Bovis Homes, has been fenced off despite parks being allowed to remain open during the second lockdown.

People are allowed to exercise outdoors or visit a park with members of their household or support bubble.

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Residents of the estate are therefore angry that their local play area is shut off to the public.

James Hunkin, who lives near the park, said: “As usual Bovis does not care about their customers as has been shown by the lack of customer service over their very poorly built homes.

“They failed to take any responsibility for the play area during the initial lockdown and the local parish council closed it down. Once it was reopened they then decided to build Heras fencing around it and have left it that way ever since.”

Mr Hunkin believes a space outdoors for children to play is important, especially during the pandemic.

He added: “I think that play areas are vital for the development and mental wellbeing of our children during this difficult time. Evidence has shown that children are unlikely to spread the virus and the government’s latest guidelines state play areas can be opened.

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“Children are already affected by lockdown due to limited interaction with friends and being unable to take part in after school clubs and groups.”

A maximum of two people from different households – excluding children under school age – are allowed to meet outdoors for exercise or to visit an outdoor public place.

Bovis Homes says it closed the play area as a result of conducting a risk assessment.

A spokesperson said: “The revised regulations then required owners to carry out risk assessments of their play areas – which come in a wide variety of sizes and formats.

"Our assessment has shaped our approach, which is to keep this area closed to public use for the time being for the health and safety of the public and our employees and contractors, although we will regularly be reviewing this."