NEW life could be breathed into a dilapidated play area in the heart of Ringwood as early as next year.

Ringwood Town Council has launched a £60,000 bid to transform the run-down play area in Ash Grove.

Although as yet no plans have been drawn up, Ringwood deputy town clerk Jo Stannard has met with New Forest District Council (NFDC) to devise a scheme suitable for children of all ages.

And if the project framework is agreed, NFDC officers would be available to begin working on plans for the scheme in September 2010 with the new play area to be up and running by Spring 2011.

Mrs Stannard said: "The play area would be a far cry from the bog-standard play area of yesterday. The area is very flat and so what would be great if there could be some landscaping design to make it more interesting.

"By appealing to people of all ages it could help move away from some antisocial behaviour and the need for some teenagers to damage and destroy."

She explained that there had been difficulties in progressing with the scheme when the idea was first mooted about three years ago, because the council had other commitments.

"The play area really is in a terrible state and needs to be replaced now," she said.

"What we would like is to incorporate equipment for all ages, not just little ones, so older children and even teenagers have things to do.

"Play has developed so much over the years and we would like to move away from the idea of a bog-standard play area and create something brilliant."

Mrs Stannard told the Journal that there had been an issue with dog fouling at Ash Grove in the past.

"The play area has been misused by dog walkers and in the past has attracted some antisocial behaviour it is important that these issues are tackled with NFDC."

Mother of four Georgina Long of Hightown Gardens said that play was a very important part of childhood and the more designated play areas the better.

"Children love playing outside and unfortunately there are fewer places left for them to play safely. Many people dislike them playing out on the street so they are spending more time cooped up inside.

"Ash Grove is very run-down and desperately needs revamping so I think the plan is fantastic."

Money for the scheme has been earmarked from Ringwood Town Council funds, developers contributions and grants.