VILLAGERS are hoping to keep bored youths out of trouble by revamping the recreation ground to cater for youngsters of all ages.

The Barrow playground area committee has pledged to raise £40,000 over the next year to buy equipment to amuse children, teenagers and disabled users of the playground.

Their plans come in the wake of complaints about rowdy teenagers terrorising residents in rural areas around Chester.

Malpas councillors announced last week that they are considering installing CCTV cameras to deter troublemakers.

David Crossley, vice-chairman of Barrow Parish Council and a member of the playground committee, said the council decided to make the playground suitable for all ages after asking children what they would like to see.

He said: 'We got sensible and well-thought-out feedback from them all. It was clear that currently we aren't fulfilling the needs of all segments of the community, particularly teenagers and disabled children.

'Most of the activities will still be aimed at younger children, but we also plan to buy equipment designed for children with disabilities.

'We also want to create a facility for young teenagers, with a proper seated area, basketball hoops and equipment that has been specifically updated to amuse older children and teenagers.'

Mr Crossley said teenagers in the village have caused trouble in the past because they had nothing to do.

'It is by no means a big problem in the community, but we are not immune from it,' he said.

'We are six miles from Chester city centre, we haven't had a youth club since losing the leader two years ago and the evening bus service is almost non-existent, so of course there will be problems.

'The playing field is a natural gathering place in the village, so we want to make it a safe area for all ages to use at any time of the day.'

The committee will be relying on community grants for most of the costs, but £3,000 has already been raised through events including a village ball and a children's sponsored walk. Future events will include a fireworks display and a Christmas concert by the Waverton Singers.

Barrow ward city councillor Eleanor Johnson is supportive of the residents' project. 'I saw the plans recently and I think it's a wonderful idea,' she said.

'The committee is a proactive group who have seen what is needed and have set out to solve the problem for everyone.

'I'm very positive about the plans and will make sure it goes ahead with funding from somewhere.'