A MOTHER whose daughter was injured at a play area in Great Notley has criticised the number of accidents there.

Eight-year-old Sophie Barker, of Keeble Way, Braintree, was one of 27 people reported injured at Braintree Discovery Centre, between June 1 and August 31.

She was taken by ambulance to Broomfield Hospital in August with two broken wrists, after she slipped and fell off a climbing frame.

She underwent surgery to have her wrists realigned.

Mother Tracey Barker said: “It wasn’t a small graze Sophie suffered – she’s going to be in plaster for weeks. She has already been in plaster for four weeks, and we are looking at another four.”

“Considering it is for children, it seems a lot of accidents have happened. Maybe children’s things might need to be tweaked a bit to make sure it’s safe.”

The centre, at Great Notley Country Park, has a climbing wall, trim trails and sports areas.

Mrs Barker has written to Essex County Council, the organisation responsible for the park.

A council spokesman said all reported incidents are investigated, and the play facilities met European guidelines.

The spokesman added: “The accidents recorded at Great Notley have to be measured against the huge popularity of the play space, not only in the number of visitors it receives, but also in the length of time children and parents spend there.

“All equipment at Great Notley is checked daily by our staff and, in addition, detailed inspections are carried out on a regular basis.

“We do advise that adults are responsible for ensuring their children are supervised at all times when using the play area, and that children are capable of using the equipment provided.”