OXFORD City Council has promised that its £2.5m project to modernise children’s play areas will be completed as planned, despite financial pressures.

This week the council completed work on the 35th out of 55 play areas it aims to upgrade.

And, despite fears a Government-backed Barton play scheme was under threat, the Town Hall has said the remaining 20 play areas will be completed.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Hunters Close play area, in Cowley, Mark Lygo, the council’s executive member for sports and play, said: “We’re committed to improving play areas.

“I hope that the local residents, who were involved in the consultation, will enjoy their new play area.”

He added: “These refurbishments provide a great environment that’s both fun and pleasant to look at.

“Play is important for children’s health and confidence.”

Council leader Bob Price confirmed the refurbishment scheme would continue.

He said: “The money is safe. Funding for the programme is from our own sources.”

Children in Cowley were quick to enjoy the new climbing frame, basket swing, see-saw and monkey bars at Hunters Close.

Mother-of-two Stacey May said: “It’s a great playground, because it has quite a lot for little children.

“Some parks are too big for my youngest, who’s one.

“My oldest is three and he loves it as well. We will be down here at least once a week.”

Playground designers will consult parents and children to discuss the type of equipment they want to see before designs for the 20 remaining sites are drawn up.

Each refurbishment takes about eight weeks to complete.

Council spokesman Fiona Colcutt added: “The play programme has been a huge success.

“All of the refurbishments carried out to date have been well received and have gone a long way to improving play facilities in the city and promoting challenging, natural play for Oxford’s children and young people.”

Money from the Government for work at Headington’s Bury Knowle Park is currently on hold but this will not affect the city’s planned refurbishment of the play area there.

Meanwhile, a letter of protest will be sent to Education Secretary Michael Gove urging him to provide Government money for two projects in Barton, including the £800,000 Play Barton scheme.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that an £8m plan to modernise Bayards Hill Primary School had been put on hold. This week Mr Gove said funding for the Play Barton project, an indoor and outdoor play park, spread across three sites, would also be reviewed.

The city council’s north-east area committee will write to Mr Gove urging him to find the cash for the estate.

Barton councillor Van Coulter said: “Who pays for these cuts, the children? They deserve better. They deserve a future.

“We’re calling on Michael Gove and the Government to give the children of Barton a fair chance.”