FITNESS equipment at Tredegar Park has been taken away for a safety inspection, Newport City Council has said - with no indication on when it will return.

The equipment was installed at the park in 2007 following £130,000 funding from the Sports Council for Wales' Active Lifestyles Fund to develop projects that will encourage more people to get active.

It was part of a Lifetrail outdoor gym workout aimed at Newport's older population.

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However, the equipment in the park was taken away recently, with no indication when - or even if - it would be replaced.

A council spokesman said: "Following a recent safety inspection, the fitness equipment was removed.

"An assessment is being carried out and we are awaiting its outcome and recommendations.

"The gym equipment in the park is still available for use."

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But the council was tight-lipped when asked about what the plans are for the space that used to house the splash park.

Hopes for a new splash park at the site were dashed when money raised through section 106 agreements were put towards the Wheels for All scheme - which aims to help disabled people keep physically active through cycling - instead.

At the time, councillors said the cycling scheme would benefit the whole community all year round.

Meanwhile, what remains of the splash park, once a paddling pool, is now derelict and fenced off.

A spokesperson for the council said: "Wheels for All, the inclusive cycling scheme managed by Newport Live, is being rolled out and is currently available on two days each week between 10am and 3pm.

"It allows children and adults with disabilities and differing needs to engage in a quality cycling activity.

"Newport Live reported there had been 183 hire bookings up until September this year and the feedback from users was all positive."

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The Wheels for All scheme provides bikes for those who have physical disabilities and was launched on June 9, 2021.

A 1.7km track was built around Tredegar Park to accommodate the larger width of some of the bikes.

Eleven bikes and trikes are available for hire and sessions delivered by trained leaders take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

It is still unclear from the council response how much exactly has been spent on the scheme so far, though the bikes cost £30,000 to build.