A FIGHT to improve play facilities at Skipton's Aireville Park has won support from concerned parents and residents.

Since her 20-month-old daughter fell from a broken swing in the park, Elaine Farrier, of Skipton, has been collecting signatures from people who want to see a safe, fun playground.

She has collected over 500 names in a week, from shoppers, teachers, playgroups and other residents.

"I was amazed at the response and strength of feeling. People want action now," said Mrs Farrier.

The Herald reported several weeks ago that the playground was not up to scratch because of out of date equipment, broken swings, curled up safety matting, broken benches and holes in the fencing.

Mick Cartledge, head of economic and community development at Craven District Council, has promised that by the end of this week the swings would be replaced and the gate and fencing mended.

However, even with these improvements, Mrs Farrier said the park did not compare with others in Gargrave and Ilkley because there was not enough for the children to do and the equipment was outdated.

She added that friends and relatives had told her that spider climbing frames had been removed from parks in Edinburgh and London 10 years ago because they were thought to be dangerous.

Mr Cartledge said the improvements to the park would be done in three phases, but he hoped to get some new equipment in place by the end of this summer.

He said the first phase was to tackle the immediate problems of the swings and safety fencing which would be done by the end of this week.

The second phase would be to attend a meeting hosted by Mrs Farrier to discover what improvements parents would like to see.

He will then return to the council's community development committee with some improvement proposals.

"I want to attend the meeting with the parents because it is better to have their ideas rather than just my own," said Mr Cartledge.

The final phase was to make bigger improvements in the long term with the help of Heritage Lottery money. He said a bid had been made.

Any company or business who felt it could sponsor a piece of equipment should approach Mr Cartledge at the council on 01756 706400.

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