PARENTS should be "fully involved" in how millions of pounds of Government funding is spent on play areas in Hampshire.

That's the view of Southampton MP John Denham after it was confirmed Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council will receive £1m each for better play areas to reverse a trend that has left more children cooped up indoors.

The funding, announced as part of a three-year £235m drive to ensure public spaces are more child friendly, follows research showing a quarter of all eight to ten-year-olds have never played outside without adult supervision.

Mr Denham, Universities Secretary and Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, said he wanted the local community to speak out to help decide where the money should be spent.

The MP said: "I'm delighted we are one of the first parts of the country to have been chosen to get this funding. It will mean we can develop and rebuild children's play areas across our community - benefiting thousands of children and families in our area.

"I want to make sure the local community is fully involved in deciding how and where this funding should be spent. That's why I want to hear the views of local parents on which play areas should be rebuilt or where there is a need for new play facilities."

"Play is vital to help children have fun, but it can also keep them happy and healthy and allow them to develop and explore the world. This funding from the Labour Government will help to ensure all children have somewhere safe, stimulating and exciting to play outdoors."

Southampton City Council said it would be seeking the views of children themselves before deciding where or how the money would be spent.

A spokesman revealed up to 20 or 25 play areas were likely to be built or renovated - including the Mayflower play area in the centre of the city, which will contain an "innovative"

water feature.

Nationally, the cash injection is expected to pay for a total of 3,500 new or rebuilt play areas between 2008 and 2011.