FRUSTRATED residents fed up of waiting for over two years for playground to be made safe to use are taking matters into their own hands.

More than a dozen residents living on a new housing estate at Bathpool brought their own watering cans and have decided to improve the turf themselves as they are fed up of waiting for the developer to deliver.

The group got together over the Easter weekend at a large playground area based off Hardys Road.

Andy Watkins and his partner Iona who live nearby said people were getting increasingly frustrated with Persimmon Homes and their contractors.

"The play park is ready to use but has been fenced off because of the state of the turf," Mr Watkins said.

"It has been nearly two years we've been waiting to use this area.

"Last year turf was put down but it was just left, it became dry, weeds starting growing and it is in a sorry state again.

"It just needs looking after, and so we decided to take matters into our own hands.

"I put a message out on Facebook and I have to say I am pleased with the response we've got from fellow residents who feel the same way."

Iona Watkins said the local children constantly asked if the new playground was ready to use yet each time they walked past.

"It is the nicest play park in the area with the best play equipment and we can't use it," she said.

"You've got an Easter Bank Holiday, weather like this; children want to be outside playing.

"There is a small park further along with a slide and a see-saw but it would be much nicer to get this one open properly."

The residents turned out in force to water the turf with the help of Jenks & Son Valeting which was able to store a large quantity of water for the task.

A spokesperson for Persimmon homes said:  “As joint developer with Redrow Homes we have agreed with Taunton Deane Council the remedial works required for the play areas and public open spaces on the development.

"This work is scheduled to start very shortly. Once the open space remedial works are complete it is our intention, subject to agreeing terms, to hand these areas over to the Parish Council.”