PASSIONATE young people in Corringham are campaigning for cleaner parks with better facilities.

MP Angela Smith, along with Gordon Gambier and Phil Smith, ward councillors for Stanford East and Corringham Town, received a petition from around 20 children.

The youngsters, who live in streets off Gardner Avenue, Corringham, say they are disgusted with the state of local parks.

Adam Sear, 13, of Caswell Close, said: "We just want somewhere safe to play football without getting moaned at.

"The parks are not good enough as there is dog-muck and broken glass.

"All we want is to have a kickabout."

His mum Julia, 43, added: "The children like to play football and the safest place to do it at the moment is in the street.

"This is because the parks are littered with broken glass and the facilities are not good enough.

"In this street and surrounding streets, there are always children playing and the neighbours complain.

"I respect this and just hope the parks will be improved, so they are safe for the children to play there instead."

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Mrs Smith is fully behind the petition and was full of praise for the youngsters' initiative.

She said: "Local residents get frustrated with youngsters kicking balls around in the street and the young people themselves want safe, suitable facilities.

"These youngsters have shown the initiative to get a petition of residents calling for better facilities."

Mr Smith added: "This is a win-win situation for all concerned.

"Residents and parents want somewhere the children can play which is not up against their back walls and the children would also prefer to be in the parks too."

The petition has been presented to Thurrock Council's chief executive, Angie Ridgewell.