I AM afraid I’m going to have to disagree with Susan Thomas (Get back to basics, Oxford Mail, October 29).

I think every child and young person in Oxford deserves somewhere modern and imaginative to play.

Too many of our play areas are just collections of grubby old-fashioned vandalised equipment.

All over Oxford, parents and children have told me that they want somewhere safe and exciting to play, keeping active and enjoying themselves in the open air.

That’s why the city council has decided to do up every one of our out-of-date play areas – more than 35 in total – over two years. And every single one will only be refurbished once we’ve talked to local children and parents to make sure we’re building something that they will want to use.

Play areas will be done up across Oxford – from Summertown to Headington Quarry, and Iffley Fields to Greater Leys.

Some are already finished, some will be ready to use by summer 2010, and they’ll all be complete by the end of 2010.

Meadow Lane is one of those which will be done up and expanded, in consultation with local residents.

But I can assure Ms Thomas that there will still be plenty of space to walk dogs, play football and run about.

And she’s right to say that we have to keep an eye on the costs in the current financial climate: I’m really pleased that doing up so many at once means that we’re getting really good prices from our suppliers.

It’s no secret that the city council hasn’t a lot of spare cash, so it’s right that we spend what we have on things that will make a real and long-lasting difference to parents and children all over the city.

Antonia Bance Oxford City Councillor Rose Hill and Iffley ward and Lead Member – Social Inclusion and Young People