ÒWE want a proper play areaÓ is the message being given to East Hampshire District Council by children of BordonÕs Robinson Way.

The children, who attend Weyford Infant and Junior Schools, have only got one slide in their local playground in Robinson Way, which they claim is not enough.

With the help of resident, Ann Johnson (47), Jordan Kirby (8) and Daniel Bollman (9) have collected signatures from local residents for a petition for more equipment.

Miss Johnson, a catering assistant at Weyford Infant School, said: ÒAt present there is nothing for our children to play on, only one slide, which is not enough.

ÒWe appreciate the BMX track and hopefully the skatepark, when opened, but the younger children have nothing as these two facilities are too far away for children under six or seven to walk to.Ó

The remaining slide in the ÒredundantÓ playground is a far cry from what used to be available for children to play on, said Miss Johnson.

ÒAt the moment the play area is redundant, and bearing in mind, it was our taxpayers money that originally paid for it, we feel that we have been short changed.

ÒEast Hants council have removed all other items, which originally included a roundabout, see-saw and two sit-on spring type animals, and left just a slide.Ó

The children have received backing from their mums and dads, secretary of the Hollybrook Park Residents Association, Steve Johnson, and district and town councillor Zoya Faddy who told The Herald that she will be pursuing the matter.

It is hoped that the petition, together with a letter to the district council, with copies going to Mrs Faddy and Whitehill Town Council, will allow the childrenÕs voices to be heard.

JordanÕs mum Alison Kirby, who also has a daughter Charlie (6), said: ÒThey need something more than a slide like something else to climb on. The play area is close to home and playing here means I can keep an eye on them.Ó

Miss Johnson, who has lived in Bordon all her life, added: ÒThey have a right to something to play on in the Robinson Way area, which is near their home, and where they can be watched safely.Ó

Swings, a roundabout, a climbing frame, monkey bars and a see-saw are the items of play equipment, which have been suggested by the children themselves.

Brian Turner, contracts manager of EHDC, said that the district council is in the process of reviewing the play equipment, which it manages.

ÒWe have got 22 play sites throughout the district. What we intend to do is rationalise the provision of play equipment throughout the district,Ó he said.

The process may involve taking away some smaller play sites, which are not used as often as others, to allow for a smaller number of larger play areas.

ÒWe have visited some of the play sites throughout the district and over the next fortnight we hope to have visited them all to make observations,Ó said Mr Turner.

ÒBy the end of the fortnight we will be able to see where the demand is and where the play sites are best served.Ó

A report on the findings of the visits, along with any recommendations, will be presented to the district councilÕs area community committee meetings, which are held on a monthly basis throughout the district.

Assurances have been given by the district council that residentsÕ groups and interest groups will be given the chance to air their views on the provision of local play areas.