Mums and children gathered at an Oxford play area to protest against plans to turn it into cheap housing.

Sermon Close, in Risinghurst, was one of 14 play areas recommended for closure by Oxford City Council last year. The council said it did not have the £70,000 needed to refurbish it.

Now housing association Home has said it is looking to turn the play area into six three-bedroom affordable homes.

Three designs have been submitted to planners for consideration, one of which would include a smaller area with play equipment.

But residents have vowed to save the play area. Mother-of-four Caroline Griffiths, of Sermon Close, said: "There are a lot of little ones in this area and they need somewhere to play where their parents can keep an eye on them. This is the perfect spot, it's near all the houses in the close and everyone looks out for everyone else."

Mother-of three Susanna Malho, of Baker Close, Risinghurst, said: "We value this space and want to keep it."

The cost of bringing the city's 90-odd play areas up to scratch is estimated at £3m, but the city council only has a fraction of that to spend on the problem. A spokesman for Home said: "There is a need for affordable housing in this area. We will continue to work with local people and the council to ensure we come up with a development that benefits the community.

"We are now waiting to hear back from the council about the three options we have put forward and once we know what the preferred option is, we will then be in a position to submit a planning application."

Yvonne Lowe, chairman of Risinghurst and Sandhills Parish Council, said: "The city council has gradually let it become more and more rundown over the years, but it's important we fight to keep this play area open."

Quarry and Risinghurst city councillor Tia McGregor said: "Not a single person is in favour of these plans - hopefully that will be acknowledged."

A council spokesman added: "On February 12, we held an exhibition where residents had the opportunity to see the three plans and make comments. Comments received on the evening were opposed to the scheme."

In May last year, the city council announced plans to shut 14 playgrounds because of a cash crisis.

And in September it was revealed it would cost £3m to bring all of Oxford's municipal play parks up to scratch - but the Town Hall had only £390,000 to throw at the problem.

On Saturday, the Oxford Mail reported that the charity-run Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground was under threat because of a lack of funds.