FEARS that youngsters may be unable to use an outdoor play area next to their pre-school playgroup have been dismissed by a parish council.

Officials of the Acorns Pre-School Playgroup, at Masham, have raised £4,000 to provide play equipment for the land near its base in the town's community office.

But a suggestion from Harrogate Borough Council that it might set up a recycling centre on the land sparked fears the youngsters could be denied the use of the area, in the Millennium Garden.

The group took its concerns to the latest meeting of the parish council.

Its chairman, Andy Burrill, said the land, which is under parish council control, would be used by the Acorns Group.

"They had been promised use of this land. They need it for outdoor activities and they will be getting it," he said.

"In any case, it was felt that a recycling site and play area for young children would not make god neighbours," said Coun Burrill.

But he added this did not mean the parish council was opposed to recycling.

In an attempt to find a solution for the borough council, a meeting is being arranged to find an appropriate site for recycling.