YOUNGSTERS in the South Ribble area may lose their playgrounds after council bosses drew up a hit-list of sites which will be allowed to deteriorate.

South Ribble Council has decided that seven playgrounds will not receive future funding.

Once existing play equipment becomes "too uneconomical to repair" it will be removed.

The list was presented to councillors alongside details of how other parks -including five sites in Leyland, one in Bamber Bridge and one in Penwortham - will share £60,000.

The list has angered local councillors, who are demanding that the cash should be distributed more evenly so that ALL the children can be allowed to play.

Coun Jim Breakell said: "Playgrounds are of great importance to families. It isn't always possible for parents to transport their children to parks far away from where they live.

"It seems unfair that some parks should be totally disregarded. If play items are taken away they should be replaced or else the children in certain areas will be deprived.

"I appreciate the budget restraints the council has but it is wrong for some parks to miss out all together."

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "We want to see the best parks throughout the area, not just in certain areas.

"Admittedly, some of the parks do attract unruly youngsters but if we remove the play equipment it will make the problem worse."

A council spokesman explained that all of South Ribble's parks had been placed in categories which decided how urgent their need for funding was and where investment should be made.

Coun Bill Evans added: "Sometimes the playgrounds can become too much hassle for locals. We have lost one playground but three more will be improved in Broadfield Estate. It is swings and roundabouts really."

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