THE Alton Society has been urged to spearhead a campaign for more playgrounds in the town.

A call during SaturdayÕs agm to fight for more facilities for the over eights came in startling contrast to the rest of the morningÕs business and introduced a different area of concern for society members.

Local mother Karen Hudson, who was later voted on to the committee, looks set to introduce new blood and new ideas - top of her list, a voice for the young.

While urging playground campaigners to make their views know to Alton Town CouncilÕs open space committee, members heard that over eights were not welcome in the Public Gardens.

ÒThey canÕt kick balls, play with frisbees or ride bikes,Ó said Mrs Hudson who pointed out that there were very few places for this age group to play other than at Anstey Park.

ÒWe desperately need another playground at the sports centre end of town. If Holybourne can have one, why canÕt we?Ó asked Mrs Hudson.

And she pointed out that should the Alton Society start a campaign for a new play area it would attract a great deal of support from the younger generation and increase its membership age range.

One concern was that developer contributions, earmarked for the provision of open space and play areas, were being diverted elsewhere.

It was also felt by some that by selling off EggarÕs School playing field for development the local authorities had not placed enough value on the land as recreational space.

Chairman Geoff Nicholas recalled past attempts by the Alton Society to plough money into a youth project in the town which, he said, had been met with a brick wall.

Committee member Tom Arnott said that from his experience as a grandfather Anstey Park, with its 100 acres of open space, was Òa wonderful facility which is not being usedÓ.

Furthermore it boasted a good play area which had one major drawback - no toilet facilities. It was also used by teenagers who displayed anti-social behaviour, and frightened younger children away.

But, he warned: ÒWe either close our eyes to the social challenge and close the area down or ignore the vandalism and grit our teeth and pay for it.Ó

Speaking on behalf of Alton Town Council, town mayor, David Willoughby admitted that, while the council had only last week opened a new BMX track for this age group on land at the Greenfields amenity area, the question of providing facilities for youths was a challenging one, with vandalism being a key problem.

Experience revealed that once children got beyond the age of eight they seemed to want to Òdo their own thingÓ and trying to find the right environment for them to do that was difficult. ÒFor every one or two who wanted to use equipment in a positive way there seemed to be ten who did not,Ó he said.

The Public Gardens had suffered at the hands of vandals and, while keen to make a positive contribution for the youth of the area it did cost money. But, he assured Alton Society members, it was an issue over which the council had vowed not to be beaten.