THERE is good news for the children who play at North Street Playground in Ventnor.

The IW Council, which initially said it would not replace the recently-removed swings, has agreed to fund £6,000 new ones.

Local resident Tanya Smith, who has helped co-ordinate the campaign to save the playground, said: "The news is great and it's just the start of something for our North Street Playground.

"We have all worked so hard to get a result, and while this is just the start, we are so happy that the children will be getting some new swings."

Tanya, along with local resident Wendy Marshall and Tony McCarthy, the community development officer for Ventnor Town Council, put together a meeting between Ventnor residents and the IW Council.

Tanya said: "Lee Matthews of the IW Council said the community spirit really showed, with more than 45 residents showing up along with more than 85 apologies. Well done Ventnor, it has shown what we can do as a community.

"We now have a new committee, The Longdown Residents' Association, and anyone who would like to be part of it is welcome to the first meeting on June 4 at 7pm at The Green Room in Salisbury Gardens.

"The committee would like people to save the date of Saturday, June 22, for a fun day at the playground.

"The council has told us the swings will be at the playground before the summer holidays."