A POPULAR children's playground could close unless more mums and dads come forward to help run it.

The under-tens play area in St Martin's Road, Wroxall, is looked after by the community group Wroxall in Action but that organisation has a dwindling membership and needs more parents to carry out daily safety checks on the facility.

Landlord South Wight Housing Association says it will not renew the lease - up for renewal on June 24 - unless a team of parents is not forthcoming to continue the checks.

Efforts to drum up supports have brought some volunteers but more are needed.

Carmelle James, former Wroxall in Action chairman, said: "We desperately need more helpers.

"Some people are saying it is too late to save the playground but that is nonsense. The housing association is prepared to renew the lease as long as we can find people to manage it.

"I think it must stay open because it is an asset to the community - there is nowhere else for the youngsters to play on equipment."

"People have got to come together and offer themselves up to help save the playground.

"There is not a lot of work for volunteers to do to keep it open.

"We just need someone to keep a daily log after checking the equipment is safe and someone to pick up the litter."

David Yates, Isle of Wight Council member and supporter of the playground said it was a shame neither the council nor the housing association could take overall control of the play area.

"You find its always the same faces on these residents' groups and when they retire, no one takes up their places," he said.

Anyone who can help can contact Carmelle on 855242.