A DAD wants town leaders to ditch traditional swings and roundabouts and create a bike and skateboarding park for small children.

Frodsham Town Council, who owns the land at Park Lane, are considering the “impressive” idea put forward by Park Lane resident Darren Kelly to provide a safe place for tots to ride.

Mr Kelly told the council meeting on Monday that, for safety reasons, most small children, including his own four- and six-year-old sons, “don’t have the same freedom that I had to play on the street when I was young and are not getting out on their bikes as much as they should; but we should be encouraging their love of sport.

He added: “There are four primary schools in Frodsham and it saddens me you hardly see children out playing any more.

“I know some people have this mindset rough and undesirable people hang around places like this and they get vandalised. But if everyone thought like that, children would end up with nothing to do.”

Mr Kelly showed detailed plans of the Park Lane play area, showing how the site could be transformed. He said they had been produced free of charge by a firm of specialist developers and was unsure of costings, but suggested grants could be available.

“All the young children I’ve spoken to want to ride and I can see the potential of this piece of land.”

Cllr Dennis Taylor said: “I’m impressed. We have discussed this play area many times over the years.”

The council’s amenities committee will be considering the proposal in more detail and investigating possible sources of grant funding.

Cllr Graham Bondi said: “We certainly want to follow up this idea, but we need to consult residents.”

Cllr Brian Lloyd welcomed the proposal but warned: “Let’s not raise too many hopes – there are a lot of hurdles to overcome!”