MANY people will have fond childhood memories of playing in a local park on swings, slides and roundabouts.

Now opportunities to have such innocent fun are very few and far between.

Vandalism, cash cuts and today's health and safety conscious society have forced many playgrounds to close.

Add to that the fear of many councils that parents of any children who slip or fall will take legal action to try to gain damages, and perhaps it's not too surprising that they have disappeared.

Even hiring a bouncy castle for a children's party brings real risks that any bruises will end up being extremely costly.

The latest area to suffer is the Ribble Valley where council officers are considering removing worn or damaged play equipment.

Cuts mean there is now no repair and maintenance budget and weekly safety inspections have been replaced by a monthly check.

But even if these highlight problems, there is no cash to rectify them.

No one would advocate children being allowed to play on equipment that has become dangerous to use.

But it does seem sad that future generations will not be able to enjoy such outdoor playgrounds.

Particularly when we are so worried at the health implications of youngsters sitting for hours at computer screens.