THE future of children's play areas in Winchester looks set to be secured today with a promise that public facilities should be 'within easy reach of every child'.

Winchester City Council will vote on whether to agree to a five-year investment scheme which, if passed, will not only safeguard existing play areas but will help create new ones as well.

Those involved in child development in the city have welcomed the news and the commitment shown to children's play.

Lynn Nutt, manager of the Kingsmead Day Nursery in Winchester, said: "This commitment is great news. All children should have access to play areas as it is a vital part of their development and provided proper safety measures are taken, it's a very good idea."

Play is seen as vital to a child's development and is an activity laid down as a right for youngsters in the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of the Child.

If the vote goes through today, it will be the first time the authority has committed itself to managing the 28 play areas it currently cares for.

Lisa Rook, 23, a single mum from Stuart Crescent in Stanmore in Winchester, said: "I think if it goes ahead it's really good.

"Kids need to have a place where they can go and run around and burn off some energy, and I think if the council can make sure there's a play area near every child, then that can only be a good thing."

Winchester MP Mark Oaten added: "With so many schools losing their sports fields, protecting public areas like this is important and sadly, because of drug and alcohol use, some of these areas do get misused, so keeping them clean and tidy will also be very welcome indeed."

In a report to be presented to Cabinet before the vote today, it says: "It is not easy to offer any alternative options for similar levels of capital expenditure which reach children so universally and effectively. The aim of the provision should be to provide opportunities for safe but challenging active play within easy reach of every child."

If passed, the scheme will start with a condition check on existing play areas and what it will cost to maintain them.

Research will also be carried out to find out what can be done to make the sites more accessible for disabled children or parents, and where new areas could be built.