FED up parents and children in Skerton are still waiting for a new play area that was promised last summer.

The Council said it would totally refurbish the play area on Derby Road over a year ago and the work was expected to be completed by July.

But it's still a mess and parents are concerned that their children (there are more than 130 in the area) have no where safe to play.

"We have been assured that the play area would be upgraded, it was designed and promised for last July, the funding is in place and the plans have been passed but so far nothing has happened," said one local mother, Karen King.

"At present it is in a disgraceful state.

There is only one slide to it, the floor is concrete and dangerous to children and its surround is used as a dog toilet.

The children have no where suitable or safe to play and in the last week a sign has appeared on the small area of grass saying 'no ball games.' We are in desperate need of this new play area."

Lune Street mother Cathy Porter said: "The play area provided for children - which was never wonderful in the first place - has now deteriorated and all that is left is a slide which is not safe for young children.

I do hope the area can be ready soon so that our children can play safely.

We are having a Jubilee party for the children and it would be lovely if it could be ready by then.

Local children have also expressed their concern.

Laura and Richard McDonnell of Derby Road said: "We have no where to play, only on the streets, and then we get in trouble with the residents.

Also, it is dangerous because of the traffic."

Cyra Buller, aged 8, said: "It's not fair that there's nothing to play on.

There has been a sign put up saying no ball games so we can't even play with our balls."

The city council has admitted that the delays are 'unfortunate' but will lead to a better play facility.

A spokesman said: "There is money within the SRB Budget for environmental improvement grants.

"Community groups within the SRB area were invited to put in ideas and bids for funding.

"Derby Road residents came up with a play area scheme which was approved by Community Forum but some amendments and revisions were necessary in order to further enhance the facilities.

"In addition there was a change over in the project management.

Residents were asked to work with the council to come up with an alternative scheme which they did.

"However, as the cost of the scheme increased, it has been necessary for the bid to go back to the Community Forum for final confirmation on 13 June.

"We have written to the Mandy Hodgson from the Residents Association to keep her up-to-date.

"The delays have been unfortunate but we feel the end result will be a significantly enhanced play facility from which all young people in the area can benefit."