TWO children were badly injured by a gate leading to the play area at Monkton Park in Chippenham over the Easter holidays prompting anger from their mothers.

Imogen Veevers, 6, from Calne and her friend Corey Kelly, also aged six, were both hit in the face by the gate as they entered the newly refurbished play area.

The double accident happened within minutes of each other as their mothers took then to the park as an Easter treat on Saturday, April 13.

Rebecca Veevers said she was shocked and disgusted by the incident as both children suffered identical injuries. Together with Fiona Kelly the mother of Corey they complained to Chippenham Town Council who look after the play area but were disappointed with the answer. They said the council said the gate was safe.

Fiona Kelly said: "It's a real shame that such a newly renovated park which caused us to take a trip to the park was to end in a visit to RUH in Bath where Corey needed treatment from the facial surgery team. I can't believe the council can say there is nothing wrong with the gate, identical injuries within less than five minutes of each other."

Rebecca Veevers said the problem was with the gate having a powerful spring and only opening part of the way. She said: "The gate stops at 90 degrees and has a spring. It swung back into Imogen's face cutting her badly."

Imogen told her friends that she had "broken her head." Rebecca said her daughter was very upset and had to have 30 minute neurological observations at the hospital as she was sleepy and nauseous.

She was able to clean the wound and take her daughter to minor injuries unit in town.

Corey injuries were more severe and was taken to the accident and emergency department in Bath for treatment to a deep cut to his head.

Chippenham Town Council were asked for a comment but no reply was received at the time of going to press.