Children were left in tears after council “Scrooges” said they wanted to rip out a beloved playground.

Nine-year-old Chloe Breckon and her friends were heartbroken when she found out the locally-named “Spinny” playground in Fenay Bridge Park, where she has played with friends for two years, would be removed.

But now, after local councillor Phil Scot intervened, there is a hope that some of the play equipment on the estate can be saved.

He has persuaded the council to defer the scheme to revamp eight play areas in the area until residents have come up with their own ideas.

Residents of Tithefields, Fenay Bridge protesting to save their playground

Chloe’s father Rory Breckon, along with other neighbours, received a letter explaining a decision had been made to “relocate” the play equipment and that the area would be grassed over, with no explanation as to where and why.

Rory, 49, who lives on Tithefields in Fenay Bridge Park, said: “You can’t say just before Christmas that ‘we’re going to take your toys away’.

“It’s not fair. One neighbour said her daughter had been in tears because she found out she was going to lose the park.

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“Kids need somewhere they can go and let off steam.”

The letter sent to residents on Saturday by the council said: “We would like to inform you that we will be relocating the two pieces of play equipment situated near your property.

“The existing play surface will be converted into a fully grassed area.”

Residents of Tithefields, Fenay Bridge discussing the future of their playground to Clr Philip Scott

The letter also claims residents can choose whether to keep the railings surrounding the area.

In a response to the council, Rory said: “I find it astounding that Kirklees want to spend money ‘relocating’ play equipment that is well used when the same money could be used to maintain other areas around Kirklees.”

Residents rallied round following the letters and contacted Clr Scott.

He said: “The letter didn’t make it clear exactly what was planned. There are eight play areas and because the equipment is getting worn, it has been decided to move it from some of the areas and grass them over.

“I have spoken to officers to get the scheme deferred and allow residents to talk about what will work best for them”.

Rory said: “Luckily the council have let us speak and they’ve said we can decide whether to keep the play equipment or not, but they could revoke this decision at any moment.”

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: "There are eight public open space sites in that neighbourhood, all over 10 years old.

"Certain parts – such as the timber log rounds, knee rail posts and rubber play surfaces are decaying and we have less money now to maintain these sites and play kits to a safe standard.

"So we are proposing to move some equipment from four small sites and place them on two others in the neighbourhood.

"The four sites will become safer grassed pocket parks. The area on Hanby Close with the 'turtle' maze (POS 8 on the map) will remain as it is, as will the top site on Croftflat Drive (POS 6) with some minor improvements such as repainting the railings.

"We are confident the work will improve the existing areas for the community and create safer areas for children. From the responses we have received so far, many have welcomed the proposals citing anti-social behaviour issues and untidy sites."