SANDBANKS “does not look like a destination” according to a councillor who said it was disappointing a main piece of play equipment remains closed.

The cone climber in the Sandbanks play park is yet to be repaired, with BCP Council saying it should be ready for the summer holidays.

However, former leader of the council Vikki Slade, said it was disappointing the equipment would remain closed over the bank holiday weekend.

READ MORE: Sandbanks play equipment remains closed and questions to be raised

She said: “It’s going to be really busy, with the beacon lighting attracting lots of people in the evening when everything else is closed.

“Kids get bored, and the cone climber would be ideal for them.

“£151,000 is the annual budget for play maintenance for the whole of the BCP Council area, that’s why it has not been fixed because it’s cost £50,000.

“We know most the parks built in 2008/09 will fail, everything has a life span, we are 15 years down the line, and nobody has been putting money aside.

“That’s what happens when you rely on government grants that aren’t repeated.”

The council confirmed the mini golf, which was recently taken in-house for ‘improvements’, had now opened fully, seven days a week.

And Cllr Slade said she was glad BCP Council was now doing a play strategy after calling for a scrutiny meeting in the handling of play parks.

She continued: “It’s a real shame the cone climber isn’t going to be open for the bank holiday but it doesn’t surprise me.

“It’s also disappointing having raised it so many times, nobody seems to be listening.

“Sandbanks is a destination but it doesn’t look like one right now.”

Cllr Philip Broadhead, deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “We are making great progress with the family attractions at Sandbanks.

“Contractors are booked in to repair the cone climber at the play area at the end of June and we hope to have the cone climber open again in time for the summer holidays.

“Also at the Mini Golf activity next door, we are pleased to say that the improvements and checks including fencing repairs have been completed and is now open seven days a week for visitors until the end of the busy summer season.”