A PLEA from many townspeople living in the vicinity of the central shopping area for a children’s play area in the Court and Castleland wards has received the support of many local school teachers.

On Monday a petition supported by 1,118 signatures was handed to Couns. Brian Hutchings, Len Heffernan and Harry Clease by Mrs Maureen Elsworth of Castleland Street.

The petition asked that the corporation should provide and maintain an adequately large play area near the centre of the town and guarantee that children would be able to play there at all times during the day.

The residents have suggested that the small grassy area in Central Park, where children can play, be extended and that the banks be utilised to make an adventure playground.

A further petition containing 50 signatures was presented to the councillors by young Jane Elsworth on behalf of the town’s children asking that they have their adventure playground.

An area in Merthyr Street and Travis Street could be turned into a grassy field where the young boys could go and get rid of their high spirits kicking a ball around, was another suggestion put forward by the residents.

In some towns, school playgrounds are opened during the holidays and several mothers wondered whether this could be arranged at Holton Road School.

Coun. Heffernan said this week that residents were concerned about the safety of children living near the town centre following a number of accidents.

“Over the years there has been a need for a playground and children and residents want to make sure the corporation are fully aware of this when they draw up redevelopment plans for the area,” said Coun Heffernan.

Mr Trevor Thompson, one of the organisers of the petition and a former councillor, said that rehousing of the people living in the development area had ceased because of the difficulties faced by the council.

When redevelopment did get ahead an adventure playground should be installed,” he added.

“In view of the heavy traffic this is an urgent need for people living there,” he said.

The traffic and heavy lorries coming from the docks nearby have resulted in a number of children being hurt in accidents in recent years.

And the residents are also concerned about the dangers to children from the heavy lorries depot in Castleland Street.

They hoped that the petition would arouse the sympathies of the council and spotlight the dangers to children.

Two of the petitioners said on Tuesday that the councillors who had received the petition had promised their support.