SIR — I am writing with reference to the Henry Davey Playing Field in Woodland Road, Watchet.

We have lived in Courtlands Close for nearly seven years and as parents of four children we frequently use this recreation ground.

However, approximately one year ago under unknown authorisation to us, skate ramps were installed on the concrete area of the park.

Ever since then the park has drawn large groups of young teenagers to the park which has resulted in the condition of the park rapidly declining.

At the present time I am no longer able to take my six-year-old to the park I brought her up using as we are either faced with youths swearing and generally being anti-social or we are faced with the disgusting mess they leave and the damage they cause.

This is after youths set fire and destroyed the young children's area that was once in the corner.

One of the guard rails has been damaged, which is a danger to all children, especially those learning to ride a bike in the area.

The smaller ramp has had the side panel pulled off, and the large ramp at the bottom of the park has had the side guard rail pulled completely off.

The slide which my children used to enjoy using regularly has had the side guard rail completely removed along with a few steps of the ladder, rendering it totally unusable.

A bench and a bin have both been removed and destroyed and the only bench near the children's area that parents can sit on has been attacked by youths, who have on more than one occasion tried setting fire to it.

The ramp at the top end's metal sides and backs are a serious health and safety risk when they are pulled out and left exposed.

Even the guard rail has been vandalised -one of the metal rails has been pulled out, and for a short time this was actually left partly on, posing a serious risk of life to any child who made contact with it.

The fence has taken a lot of damage with holes and pieces missing, allowing animals such as prohibited dogs to enter the park and again posing a health and safety risk for the young children the park was intended for.

There is rubbish and graffiti everywhere.

In the evening the park is a magnet for young teenagers presenting a anti-social problem for the local elderly people and causing concern for anyone who walks past, and in the mornings the park is riddled beer bottles, glass, beer cans and litter.

Something needs to be done about this park because right now it's an eyesore for locals and such a waste of a public area as it is not a welcoming place for young children or adults alike.

This letter is supported by a large number of locals and I would have no trouble gathering a large petition to get this park back to how it should be for young children.

We will not stand for such waste of public funds nor a skate park for the elder youths which is neither appreciated or respected.

Tom Buckingham,

Courtlands Close,

Watchet.