SAVE our play park. That's the message from dozens of locals who are opposing plans to shut a play area at Strouden Field, Queen’s Park, Bournemouth.

On Saturday, around 50 people turned up to sign letters of objection as a campaign gathered pace.

The council is looking to close the facility in the next few years as it aims for “an even distribution of play facilities across the borough”.

But people young and old – whose children use the park or have done so over the past few decades – say the idea is crazy.

Carole Roscoe, one Brackendale Road resident who has mobilised locals, said: “I’m a grandma of two small grandchildren who love this swing park.

“It’s an amazing place. There’s a very strong local feeling for this swing park and I think that the reasons given in the council letter are the opposite of what we believe about it.”

Residents say there is a growing need for the park with many families in the area and it is well–used.

Stuart Cupit, of Brackendale Road, said: “My daughters use the park all the time.

“It seems crazy, here we are with the government trying to promote healthy living and the outdoors and they’re closing parks.”

Another resident, Rachael Seaward, added: “We walk to school and on the way home my little one uses the park.

“There are never any undesirable people or rubbish around. It’s always nice and safe.”

Michael Rowland, Parks Development Manager at Bournemouth Borough Council, said it recognised the importance of public play areas.

He added: “Looking at Strouden Park, there are currently three playgrounds within a very small area – Bradpole Road, Mallard Road and Strouden Playing Fields – while to the south there is a large area of housing with very poor access to play facilities.

“To ensure an even distribution we will soon be developing a new play facility at Queen’s Park, as well as upgrading the playground at the other side of Strouden Woods by Bradpole Road.”

Mr Rowland said that only when equipment at Strouden Fields needed replacing would it be removed, which would be another two or three years.

“During this time we will continue to consult with residents on future plans for this site,” he added.