A FOUR-year campaign to create a play area and open space for residents on Skipton's Greatwood and Horse Close estates is finally coming to fruition.

The finishing touches are being added to the Vicki Cartman Millennium Green, named after the 15-year-old who had campaigned for facilities for youngsters in the area before her death in a road accident in 1996.

The half-acre area of derelict land overlooked by houses in Moorview Way, Heather View and Whinny Gill, has been transformed into a place where children can play and residents can relax.

Greatwood and Horse Close Community Association members first began their efforts to create a green in 1997 and their project was selected by the Countryside Commission as one of 250 greens to be transformed to mark the millennium.

Environmental body Yorventure funded a £1,500 consultation process and then stepped in again to provide the £22,000 matched funding needed to make the residents' dreams a reality.

The completion of The Green has not been an easy task. Back in April vandals ruined some of the work by painting trees and play equipment blue and ripping up safety matting.

However the association was determined not to be beaten by the setback and the Millennium Green now boasts a play area with a climbing frame, swings and springy animals, as well as picnic tables, seating and newly planted trees and shrubs. The final touches are being added to the footpaths.

Association member Karen Preston said: "We've managed to replace an unsightly and unused area with a pleasant relaxing area which is a real community focus for local families.

"It has been a very long haul but seeing children like my own daughter Cherise enjoying the play area has made it all worthwhile."

Yorventure projects manager Becky Holdsworth said: "Local residents have worked tirelessly to make this Millennium Green a reality for residents who have no other outdoor facilities on their estates."