A MOTHER-OF-FOUR says she will fight to protect her local play area from being closed down and turned into houses.

Maria Budden says her playground in Fampoux Gardens in Charminster is home to a war memorial remembering the fallen in the First World War and believes it should be protected.

Bournemouth council has drawn up a list of 18 playgrounds across the borough that it feels are of poor quality, under-used and expensive to maintain.

All could potentially be sold off for housing, with the possibility of accommodating more than 140 new family homes and several small blocks of flats.

But Mrs Budden, of Green Road, said: “Our war memorial is for The Hampshires who fought in the First World War. It has been a memorial from about 1922 for all those who lost their lives.

“It is a war memorial and some people still respect the fact that people did die for them. The council might not but I do.”

She added: “There are not many places to take children for free these days. I am a single parent, I work every day and parks for me are a lifeline. Our children deserve a place to play.

“I have started a petition and have spoken to many residents here and they are all very upset about this.”

Many comments were posted at bournemouthecho.co.uk opposing the plans.

Cooperman said: “It must not happen. We don’t need hundreds of houses crammed into our leisure areas and you can be sure that no councillor will have to suffer it in his area.” Jason Lawford said: “Bournemouth is so built up as it is.

“People of all ages need external space to get out of their poky modern homes.

“If these spaces are not being used, then redesign them to create something the community want and would use and look after.”

But Cazzam said: “If you read the piece it looks like the town’s losing four playgrounds overall and getting more family homes and getting money spent on other playgrounds.

“Why would you want to complain about that?”