A children's adventure playground could become the latest victim of council cuts in Twickenham.

The playground in Marble Hill Park is a magnet for thousands of children living in the borough every summer and now concerned parents want answers from the council.

Phillipa Edmunds whose two daughters, seven-year-old Lucy and five-year-old Eve use the park, said: "People are becoming very aware that this excellent facility could be lost. There is nothing else comparable for five-to-15-year-olds in the borough.

"I know it costs £31,000 a year to run and the council has to make cuts but it would a shame to lose it.

``At the moment the cost of a season ticket is £5 and I am sure most parents who use the park regularly would not mind paying a little extra to keep the playground open."

As well as losing the playground Mrs Edmunds also fears the future safety of children could be put at risk.

"We hear a lot about children being wrapped up in cotton wool'' she said. ``The playground is often the child's first step to independence. Because it is supervised children can get used to playing without their parents watching over them."

Mrs Edmunds is now hoping other parents will start lobbying councillors to keep the playground open.

"It would be a tragedy to lose this playground and parents should write to John Wright the Head of Leisure Services and Councillor Gina Mackinney the Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee at Richmond council," she said.

But the council have denied rumours the park is due to close. A spokesman said: "As a result of the current financial situation, the playground like many other services is under review. However it is not yet clear where the cuts will be made until the review is completed and that will not be for the next few weeks."

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