THIRTEEN children's playgrounds are to be shut down - but swings, see-saws and slides on six other sites are to be saved.

A meeting of Lancaster City Council's Cabinet voted to bring the axe down on 13 under-used and heavily vandalised playgrounds.

But they decided to save six other sites - two in Morecambe and four in Lancaster - which were previously earmarked for closure.

Many of the area's playgrounds are in a run down state and in some cases have no facilities at all.

Shutting down the 13 playgrounds will cost a one-off £4,300 - but will save £3,500 a year after that.

And those savings will be directed back into maintenance of the remaining sites.

Many playgrounds have been blighted by vandalism and have fallen into disrepair.

"I will support the closure of these 13 playgrounds as long as the six we are keeping are kept in good repair," says Cllr Gina Dowding.

The Cabinet were expected to close all 19 sites - but the six saved had been the subject of complaints from local residents and ward councillors when the closure plans had gone out to consultation.

Council leader, Cllr Ian Barker, added: "The savings from the closed playgrounds should be reinvested in maintenance of other play facilities in the borough as well."