PARENTS in Alconbury Weston want to raise £20,000 for a new children s playground. Rot meant the climbing frames at the Highfield Avenue playground had to be torn down in September 2003, and the remaining equipment was removed in February last year. A Re

PARENTS in Alconbury Weston want to raise £20,000 for a new children's playground.

Rot meant the climbing frames at the Highfield Avenue playground had to be torn down in September 2003, and the remaining equipment was removed in February last year.

A Recreational Equipment Committee (REC) of Alconbury Weston parents and residents has been set up to try to raise the estimated £20,000 needed.

Joanne Harvey, of REC, said: "The old playground was 18 years old and unsafe for children to use so it had to be removed.

"Now the children have nowhere to play and we do not currently have the funds needed to provide new equipment." In January, REC sent out questionnaires and of the 80 people who responded, 95 per cent were in favour of replacing the equipment.

If all the money is raised, the new playground will consist of goalposts, a basketball and netball hoop, an enclosed area with two swings, a slide and a picnic bench set.

Mrs Harvey said: "Roughly 20 children a day still gather and play football where the old playground used to be.

"But a lot of the younger children get bored with nothing to play on, and the older children are always saying how much they would love new goalposts."

The bulk of the funds for the playground need to be met by fund-raising and applying for grants.

The parish council has put aside £1,500 and an Easter egg hunt raised £213 for the appeal. Further fund-raising events are now being organised by REC.

Mrs Harvey said: "We are appealing to residents of Alconbury Weston and the surrounding area, and any companies who may wish to donate anything, to contact us.

"The new playground won't just benefit children from Alconbury Weston but also children who visit from other areas."

The group hopes to have the playground ready in less than two years.

INFORMATION: If you wish to donate any money, e-mail joanne@jharvey3.wandoo.co.uk or phone 07813 142958.