CHILDREN in small village communities could lose their only playground under a list of closures going to councillors next week.

Officers from the Wear Valley District's community services department are recommending 32 closures at a special meeting next Monday.

The list was drawn up under a review of play provision after councillors decided they had too many poor quality playgrounds.

In January, the Health and Safety Executive presented a critical report on two accidents involving ten-year-old boys playing on a Combat Cableway at the Jane Armstrong Park in Bishop Auckland last summer.

The boys each broke an arm when they landed off safety matting. The executive said the council had failed in its duty to protect children and warned that further failings could lead to court action.

Last year the council was fined £10,000 after poorly maintained swings fell on a Sunniside boy, injuring his head.

Now officers are advising that there are only resources for inspecting and maintaining 26 playgrounds.

They currently have 55 playgrounds, with a new one due to open in Willington Town Park later this year, funded by Government children's agency Sure Start.

The existing £41,000 budget will allow for a seven-ay service, as required by British Standards.