RESIDENTS?concerned about the future of Stratton play park have been urged attend an informal meeting being held at Bude Rugby Club on Wednesday, April 25 from 8pm.

The old, but much loved, park is no longer one of Cornwall Council's general funding responsibilities and people are now looking to form a community group to ensure the facility not only remains, but is improved.

The play area, which is located at the top of the car park on Howell's Road, provides ample space for children to enjoy themselves, but the equipment has suffered from little or no upkeep. That which remains — the swings were removed for safety purposes — offers little in the way of incentive for children enjoy the great outdoors.

Mel Merchant started the campaign after discovering equipment was being removed from the park with no replacements or funds forthcoming. This information was provided to her by cousin Fliss James, whose investigations provided the catalyst for the group's creation.

Mel said:?"I am Stratton born and bred, and have recently moved across the road from the park with my two young children and am appalled at the state of the play park, which has been there ever since I can remember."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.