Parents have spoken of their distress after a number of children have received head injuries when a gate leading to a popular play park slammed shut on their heads.

One mother said that her daughter still has scars on her forehead and nose three years after the gate shut on her face.

The gate is at the entrance to a “park within a park” in King George V Playing Field in Lostwithiel. The latest incident happened yesterday when a child was left with a large bump on their head.

The child’s mother took to Facebook to say: “The gate next to the sign needs some attention urgently, it absolutely slams shut and is resulting in a lot of hurt kids. Last time we were here three kids got a whack to the head, one of which needed stitches. Today we have a very large egg but thankfully no blood. Something needs to be done.”

The post resulted in a number of parents sharing similar stories and photos of injuries. One mum spoke to us about her experience.

Sasha Fenton said her daughter Layla, seven, still has two scars on her face from when the gate smashed into her head three years ago and an ambulance was called. She said: “I was working and it was my mum who had Layla. She ran through the gate and all my mum heard was this almighty scream, my daughter turned around and there was blood all over her. The gate had swung back and hit her in the head. She’s got a scar on her forehead where the cut was and she’s got a little one on her nose as well.

“I emailed the town clerk, all I wanted was some signs being put up warning people about the gate and nothing was done. They said it was an isolated incident, when it’s clearly not. I’d like to see either a safer gate or just some signs up warning that the gates can swing back and hit children in the head. I was shocked when I saw it had happened again. This has happened to several people’s children now.”

The gate leads to a play park containing a zipwire, climbing frame, swings and other play equipment fenced off from the rest of the King George V Playing Field. A sign states: “This play area has been designed for the enjoyment of children aged over 8 years. A responsible adult should supervise children using this facility at all times.”

Another mother said: “[The town council] have done nothing and I complained in 2019! It’s absolutely pointless and clearly dangerous. How much evidence does this town council need? This gate is keeping the NHS alive if you ask me.”

“A few weeks ago my daughter had to have the cut on her head glued and streri stripped. Totally pointless gate that definitely needs to be looked at,” added another.

Colin Martin, the Cornwall councillor for Lostwithiel, said: “The KGV play park is much loved by residents and visitors alike. It is essential that play areas have self-closing gates to prevent children from wandering off on their own, but they should be fitted with dampers to prevent them from slamming shut. I am very sorry to hear that a child has been injured, and am particularly concerned by reports that this hazard had been reported previously.

“This park is the responsibility of Lostwithiel Town Council, so if anyone has concerns, they should be reported to the town clerk. Residents can also attend council meetings and speak to councillors directly.”

He told parents separately: “I’m really shocked to hear that so many people have had the same experience. I’m not a member of the town council, but they have always taken a very cautious approach to safety, with regular inspections of all their play parks. I believe they even pay an independent expert to do the inspections. I wonder if their contract just covers the ‘play equipment and ignores the gate. If the same metal flap keeps taking chunks out of children’s heads, it should immediately be covered with some kind of padding!”

Lostwithiel Town Council have been contacted for response.