A LEIGH estate celebrates a long-awaited Play Day tomorrow - thanks to public demand.

Three new central play areas, which will be officially opened on Higher Folds, are the culmination of two years of work.

Based on the Richmond Drive field and fronting The Centre shops, the site will cater for age groups ranging from toddlers to teenagers.

Plans started two summers ago when residents on the estate were given the chance to have a say on the future of their neighbourhood.

Six hundred and fifty four families responded to a council questionnaire in which almost 400 said there was a need for a play area.

The desire for youth activities came a close second, with speed ramps third.

With the need for play schemes at the top of the list, council officers attended a community centre open day last September and presented residents with three potential sites.

They voted for the central spot and when that was settled, the children were asked what equipment they would like to see.

Now areas for under fives, six-11s and teenagers have been built with £60,000 from Coalfield Challenge coffers,

A council spokesman said: "Play areas are an emotive issue.

"Parents with children are all for them, but families whose children have grown up and flown are not too happy.

"With a two-one vote for, we went ahead. It should be a boon for the estate which until now has only had a play area in the south.

"Children in the north could live a mile away from facilities. Now the central area should suit everyone.

"Some people feared the equipment would be vandalised, but on the other hand, there's a chance that vandalism problems could stop if children have somewhere to go and something to do."

The celebration day, between 11am and 2pm, includes fun and games for all, a disco and arts and crafts exhibitions. Everyone is welcome.