AN action plan is needed to improve safety in a Bramhope playground in the light of a second critical RoSPA report, claims a village councillor.

Members of Bramhope Parish Council agreed to work on a plan for better safety at The Knoll, after RoSPA inspectors found some play equipment did not meet European standards.

The parish council pays for an annual inspection and report on the play area, which it maintains itself.

Although the inspectors concluded problems at the playground presented only low or medium risk to youngsters, one councillor said the council should draw up a plan to tackle them.

Councillor Richard Harker said: "It might be an idea if we make a development plan, taking the report into account. What we need is an action plan."

A RoSPA report last year was also critical of some items in the playground, although action was taken to correct problems.

In the new report, which was read out in full at a parish council meeting, inspectors said several items of equipment, in particular the embankment slide, failed to meet requirements.

Inspectors also recommended the bark chipping surfacing should be raked, and other minor improvements made.

But councillors assured the public they had not neglected safety regulations.

Chairman Councillor John Mordy said: "There is nothing high risk there. Obviously it needs tidying up. But although some things do not meet the new European standards, it does not mean they were not up to old British standards when they were installed."

The council will discuss the issue again at its next meeting.

l Bramhope Education-al Trust Fund has agreed to award the parish council £800 for a new children's roundabout - but refused money for safety surfacing.

Councillors say they will take the application back to the trust, as rubber matting may prove more costly than the actual play equipment.