A lack of lighting in an Oxford park is making the facilities unusable on winter evenings, according to residents.

And Mick Haines, who lives in the same road as the park, has collected more than 600 signatures from the local community in support of his campaign to get lighting installed at the so-called 'street sports' site, in Croft Road Park, Marston.

He said it was yet another example of the area being treated as the "poor man of the city".

Mr Haines said: "They spent all that money putting these facilities into the park and no-one can use them because we don't have any lights - it's ridiculous.

"Other areas that have the same facilities have lighting in them - look at the one near Wood Farm in Hollow Way, that has lights, as do the ones in Barton and Blackbird Leys.

"Marston is the poor man of the city, and we never get the same provision as other estates.

"This street sports site is a great place for kids and young people to go and play and stay out of trouble, but if it is pitch black there isn't much chance of that happen- ing."

'Street sports' sites are fenced off play areas with markings for a range of sports, including roller hockey, basketball and football.

Hillary Godfrey, of Lynn Close, backs Mr Haines's campaign.

She said her two sons, Paul, 13, and Damien, 15, were losing out.

She said: "My kids want to be able to go there after school and play, but they are losing out because lights weren't installed when all the equipment was put in and it is too dark.

"It's just plain stupid not to do something about this."

Damien added: "We just want to go and have a kickabout after school. We have about an hour before it gets dark, but we like to play for longer than that.

"We all get really bored as there is nothing else to do around here."

Oxford City Council said the cost of providing lighting at the site would be about £30,000, with annual maintenance and running costs of about £600.

A council spokesman said: "This matter has been raised at the local area committee so the council will be looking into potentially funding it in the future, following further consultation."