PROPOSALS to scrap 11 playgrounds in Middlesbrough will be debated at a council meeting today.

A recent audit of the 40 play areas in the town rated 17 as poor or very poor and it has been proposed that 11 be scrapped, and maintenance work is carried out on the remaining six.

Among those facing the axe are play areas in Whinney Banks Road, Fellows Court and Glebe Road.

In a report to be considered by the leisure scrutiny panel today, council development activities manager Ian Gardiner said: "There is a need to wholly remove play equipment from 11 play areas across the town which are either unsafe, inappropriately positioned, beyond economic repair, have no play value or are adjacent to new or planned play areas."

Following discussions with councillors, the future of the play areas will be put out to public consultation.

There are plans to improve some areas by starting a maintenance programme and fitting safety surfaces under all equipment over six metres high.

Mr Gardiner said: "Given that children spend a significant percentage of their time outdoors, it is essential to provide a safe and stimulating environment for play, which is rich in opportunity and allows each child to exercise choice.

"Failure to do so effectively, particularly in the context of an urban area, will deprive young people of an essential and healthy part of their childhood."