Children are calling on councillors to improve their play area.

Abingdon Town Council has received a letter from youngsters on the Tithe Farm estate, asking for better equipment on the Masefield Crescent site, which residents say is run down.

Earlier this year, two goal posts were put up after complaints about children playing football near houses. But Steve Annells, chairman of Tithe Farm Residents' Association, said this was unfair on girls - who prefer rugby.

He said: "We are inviting the youngsters to talk to us, tell us what they want, then we will hold meetings to see if we can make it happen."

Hilary Green, town councillor for Caldecott West, said one option was putting play equipment for smaller children on the green in Wordsworth Road, leaving the Masefield site for older youngsters. "We agree Masefield needs something more," she said.

"But play equipment is horrendously expensive, and this request has to be considered alongside twenty other sites we maintain."

Abingdon town clerk Brian Tonkin said: "It will be January at least before anything happens."

Any ideas for ways to improve the play area should be sent to Mr Annells at 53 Wordsworth Road, Abingdon.

Story date: Wednesday 13 October

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