Safety concerns have placed Northlands Primary's playground off limits to students.

And the youngsters will have to wait until next year to swing into action on the recently-installed equipment.

The Royal Gazette has learned that despite receiving thumbs up from two Government departments earlier this year, Parks Director William Cook has declared the play area unsafe.

When contacted yesterday, Northlands principal Dale Butler would only state: "All concerns regarding the playground have been put to the PTA president who has forwarded them to the Education Department.'' But PTA president Leonard Santucci confirmed the dilemma.

Noting that the playground equipment was installed in January under the supervision of the Education Ministry and Works and Engineering, Mr. Santucci said: "During installation the plan was drawn as it is, but regrettably one of the key Government consultants, Bill Cook, who should have been consulted was not.

"When he became aware of it he raised some relevant concerns as to the physical layout of some of the equipment. He expressed his concerns to the Department of Education and the PTA.'' The problems include swings which are too close to the parking lot and a slide which is too high.

Mr. Santucci said he met with Mr. Cook and Acting Education Permanent Secretary Harrichand Sukdeo and they agreed that the playground will have to be modified.

Based on the changes that will need to be carried out, the playground is not expected to be ready until the next school year.

He said: "In the interest of our children and their physical safety all of the relevant adjustments will be made. Regrettably it has to go back to the Planning Department.

"We have looked at the possibility of putting in tire swings, but first we need to determine whether the structure will be able to hold their weight.

"Staff and the PTA are most regrettable that this has happened, but our primary concern is the safety of the children.'' "We do recognise that it makes life more unpleasant for the children,'' Mr.

Santucci added. "Children are restricted to the courtyard area and the school field. We are the only primary school that has a road running smack through the campus. But we are trying to make the best of the situation.'' However he stressed that he was pleased with the Education Ministry's "responsiveness'' to the situation.

Neither Mr. Sukdeo nor Mr. Cook could be reached for comment.