RESIDENTS of St Lucia Park are celebrating after coming to a compromise with defence bosses over plans to close seven satellite play parks.

A petition and protest took place last week after Army and RAF families heard that the Defence Housing Executive (DHE) had announced that the small play areas, which contain swings and springed animals suitable for young children, were to close because of new safety regulations.

This sparked fears that children would be forced to use the main play areas, which parents believe are not as safe as the satellite play parks.

But this week a series of meetings have taken place between the families and the DHE, which agreed on a compromise measure.

Three of the satellite parks will be kept open, althoughwhich will be saved has not yet been decided.

Sandra Tutty, whose daughter Karina (4) regularly plays on the facilities, said: ÒAfter our protest they decided to keep three of the small parks open, which is really good news.

ÒWe did not think that they would listen to us, but they have and this compromise is the best that we could have hoped for.Ó

The uncertain future of the parks came to light when, in a letter to residents of St Lucia Park, the DHE stated that contractors would be Òremoving equipment from small play parksÓ in the near future.

The letter said that in many cases the existing equipment did not conform to new safety standards and, because much of the equipment is old, it Òis nearing the end of its serviceable life, and it is incurring mounting repair costsÓ.

The letter also informed residents that it was recommended that play areas were fenced off to prevent dogs from getting inside. This, said the DHE, caused problems because it would not be practical to fence off all the play areas.

But the DHE said that the estateÕs main play parks were not affected and it suggested that new equipment for the areas could be on the cards in the near future.

The DHE originally gave parents a chance to put Òconstructive commentsÓ forward about the closure by next Monday, which would then be considered by the property manager before any demolition work began.

Families put forward their views to the DHE as well as contacting local MP James Arbuthnot and The Herald.

They decided to make their views known by way of a mass petition, which was signed by 100 residents who could not understand why fencing in the existing areas would present a problem.

They also expressed anger at not being consulted earlier.

Parents also pointed out that large play parks are more suitable for older children, while they consider it more appropriate and safer to take their youngsters to smaller play areas.

Before the compromise was reached Mrs Tutty said: ÒWhy is there to be further investment in the main play parks when the money would be well spent updating and improving the satellite parks?

ÒThe media is full of examples as to why our children need to be protected more than ever. These satellite play parks provide a safe environment for our young children right on our doorstep, which is where the children are safest.

ÒI appreciate that the DHE must look to the future and make considerable financial savings where possible. I also appreciate that with the future closure and relocation affecting the military in Bordon, a lot of the properties will eventually be sold off.

ÒThis justifies continuing to improve the interior of the houses, but these houses will be bought by parents who, like me, would pay more to have a safe play park right outside their front door.Ó