PARENTS have forced authorities to reconsider a decision blocking a new playground for children in a housing development.

Families in the 137 home development in Blenheim Way, North Weald, which is run by housing association Home Group, have been campaigning for new play facilities since they moved in two years ago.

Last summer 80 parents signed a petition asking for rubble to be cleared from and play facilities built on a piece of council owned wasteland opposite the development owned by Epping Forest District Council, but the authority refused and instead fenced off the area.

But after further pressure, the district council has said that it is willing to work with North Weald Parish Council to investigate the possibility of building a playground in the land.

Cyril Hawkins, North Weald Parish Council leader, said: “We will go and look at what grants are available for the project.

“When we next meet we will present three drawings of what play facilities could be built on the site.

“The district council will then look at how much land would be necessary for the project.”

Epping Forest District Councillor Gagan Mohindra, said: “The working group at the parish council have put together a very interesting working proposal for a new playground.

“Unfortunately the district council were not in a position to fund a new playground but we will be looking at how we can help them in terms of the land requirement.”

Michelle Coen, 31, moved to the development with her three children, aged three, eight and 11, when it first opened.

She said: “I am very pleased.

“I think councillors have realised that there is nothing available for the children there and they need something to do.

“I would like to see a swing and climbing frame for the younger ones and also somewhere to kick a ball around.

“They just need somewhere they can have a bit of freedom and are not in danger.”