Campaigners who raised a 261-name petition demanding a new children's play area received a boost today.

Planning officials have recommended Bradford Council's West Area Committee to support the proposal for an equipped play area off Shipley Fields Road in Frizinghall.

The much-needed facility, costing an estimated £45,000, would be designed for children under ten.

Swings, roundabouts and a five-a-side football pitch are expected to be high on the wish list when children are consulted on the details of the scheme.

Mother-of-four Rabina Mughal, of nearby Carmona Gardens, said: "A play area is something we really need.

"There are no play facilities in this area, especially for younger children.

"The older ones can ride bikes or cross the roads to get to Northcliffe Park or Lister Park but the younger ones can't.

"There are lots of children around here and they have to play in the streets."

According to the census of 2001 the Frizinghall area has a higher than average child population, while 41 per cent of homes in the area are terraced houses with little or no garden space.

The Frizinghall Partnership has been aware of the problem for a long time and has played a crucial role in identifying a suitable site for a new play area and examining funding options.

The Frizinghall Partnership is a body of local groups, schools and churches. It aims to provide more services for young people and the elderly.

Councillor David Ford (Green, Heaton), who is a member of the partnership, said: "There's a serious shortage of play space in the area and there is obviously widespread support for this idea.

"The Frizinghall Partnership identified that site and negotiated with various agencies for the transfer of the land. Much of the funding for the scheme is now in place from a variety of sources."

Councillor Mohammad Masood (Con, Heaton) said: "It's a densely populated area with lots of small children playing in the streets.

"That patch doesn't have a play area at all so this would be a much-needed facility."

He said residents would be consulted to find out what facilities they would like to see in the new play area.

"It would be nice to go into Frizinghall Primary School and ask the children what they would like to have," said Coun Masood.

The residents' petition will be discussed during a meeting of Bradford West Area Committee at 6pm on Wednesday January 11 at Bradford City Hall.