Four mums have joined forces to raise cash to revitalise a run-down children's playground in Skipton.

And they hope to recruit youngsters to take part in a sponsored Spring clean to kick-start the initiative.

Spearheading the Regent Playground Challenge are mums Louise Evans, of Regent Crescent, Katherine Kelly, of Regent Drive, Julie Baker, of Kingsway, and Karen Baines, of Princes Crescent.

Their long-term aims are to clear away litter, broken glass and graffiti from the slide, swings and climbing frames; provide better disabled access from Pasture Close; create a flat, grassed area for soccer, basketball and other sports; improve the play equipment; and provide a picnic area.

They have already received more than 70 letters from children in the Regent area of the town saying what they would like changed in the playground, which is owned by Skipton Town Council. They are to be sent on to the town council.

Mrs Evans said: "We've had a tremendous response from the children already. What comes out is that they have nowhere to play, especially football.

"They say they are bored because they can't play on the streets and it is too dangerous on the playground because of broken glass.''

She said the soccer area is on a slope and every year there is a fire on bonfire night.

The aim now is to raise cash, seek sponsorship and possibly win a national sports lottery or Sports Council grant to tidy up the area and fund new equipment.

"It would be nice to see picnic benches, some seats, litter bins and some planting and landscaping,'' said Mrs Evans.

And to help start the fund youngsters are being urged to volunteer to take part in events like washing cars, cleaning windows or even tidying their bedrooms.

They are also calling on local people to sign a support form which has been delivered to nearby homes.

Several fund-raising events are to be organised over the next few months, the first being the Spring clean on Saturday when the group will also be cleaning up the playground from 2pm.

A spokesman for Skipton Town Council said the group was due to meet councillors to discuss the proposals.

He said: "They have some ideas but the Council has to be happy about what the proposals are because in the long term the authority has to take responsibility.''

She said there was a chance that the Council would give some financial support.

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