A CAMPAIGN to raise 65,000 has been launched to re-open the playground in Urswick.

Urswick Playground Association was forced to close the "popular" playground after an annual inspection by Playdales, who supplied the equipment, revealed it no longer met safety regulations.

The playground has been cordoned off until the essential improvement work has been carried out. The playground association a registered charity - estimates 65,000 will cover the cost of bringing the 22-year-old equipment up to new safety guidelines.

Secretary of the association Lesley Philp said the playground, which was opened during the early 1980s, was not only a popular hang out for youngsters but also one of the "main meeting points" in the village.

"It's where most new people meet. Many of the children used to go to the playground after school with their parents and that is where people get chatting.

"People from outside the village also come to use the playground, so it is used by quite a lot of people.

"It has only been closed since September and already the children are really missing it."

The group plans to raise the money in stages. The aerial slide in the playground only needs a safety surface fitted before it can be used again.

The association has already netted more than 600 from a tabletop sale and a Body Shop party. Many more activities are in the pipeline to raise funds - including carol singing around the village next month.

"We are going to get the equipment brought up to safety requirements, a bit at a time. We will wait until Christmas and then see how much the safety surface for the aerial slide will cost and take it from there.

"If we do a bit at a time at least we will be able to re-open the playground for people to use," said Mrs Philp.

The committee said any donations "no matter how small" would be gratefully received. Donations can be handed in at the Vicarage, Urswick Post Office, the General Burgoyne, The Derby or people can contact Mrs Philp on 01229-480858.