INCENSED residents are battling to save a £130,000 children’s playground in Runcorn.

Families say Buddy’s Place on Halton Lodge was shut without any consultation and CCTV cameras dismantled.

Around 40 parents and children staged a protest demonstration on Friday.

The park only opened five years ago and residents say it is the only place where youngsters can play safely.

A petition calling for the park to be reinstated has attracted more than 200 signatures in less than a week.

Halton Housing Trust has announced plans to give the site to Woodside Primary School.

Tony Quinn, chairman of Halton Lodge Residents Association, said: “Disposing of the site is unacceptable. We weren’t consulted.

“There is nowhere else for children to go. This estate needs a facelift.

“Residents have started to come together. We want to work with the trust.”

Nick Atkin, group chief Executive at Halton Housing Trust said: “Due to repeated damage and repairs to equipment, along with numerous reports of anti-social behaviour, we took a decision to temporarily close the play area.

“Since the closure was introduced there have been several attempts to remove the safety fence. The area has also been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

"We are currently working with nearby residents and the school to determine the best long term solution for the park.

"The safety of our customers, especially their children, has to be our primary consideration.

Consequently we are continuing to explore both suitably safe, as well as alternative uses, for the play area.”