WHAT a disgrace for our town council when a 14-year-old boy, Faizwan Awan, has to lead the way to spur the parks department to maybe do something about the sorry state of the children's playground in Corporation Park.

Two weeks ago I wrote to the head of the parks department to ask why there were no swings in the park. As yet, I have not had the courtesy of a reply.

What are children supposed to do in the school holidays. No wonder we are becoming a nation of couch potatoes.

It isn't safe for our children to play on the streets, so they are being kept inside playing on computers and play stations.

In the year 2000 things are worse than they were 25 years ago when the parks were full of things to do.

V BURGON (Mrs), Azalea Road, Blackburn.