A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save ‘children’s playing fields’ which have been earmarked for horses.

Knott Hill playing fields in Shawforth have been the stomping ground for Whitworth children for the last five decades, according to a Whitworth councillor.

The council’s decision to lease the land out to a resident who wants to use it to allow his horses to graze has angered coun Thomas Aldred.

Efforts are now being made to persuade the council to overturn their decision.

Coun Aldred said: “These fields have been used by youngsters for 50 years, so for the council to hand them over for horses to graze on is not fair on the kids.

“We will approach the council and hopefully change their mind because it does not seem right for the site to be leased out for horses because it belongs to the children.”

Bosses at the council have stated that the land was available for lease as it was never officially a playing field.

A spokesperson from the council said: “The land to the north of Knowsley Crescent has never been maintained as a play area.

“In light of the financial pressures facing the council and the need to keep council tax bills as low as possible we have an obligation to maximise the resources available to the council.

“We have therefore agreed to lease the land for three years. We understand that it will be used for grazing horses.”

There were fears that Knott Hill playing fields were contaminated early this year, causing concern from residents.

A council spokesman confirmed the land known near Knowsley Crescent was not on the authority’s contamination list.