THE Tory leaders of City of York Council approved the recommendations of a report focusing on “opportunities for children’s play”.

The report recommends that councillors receive guidance for “committing ward funds... to community spaces”, “open spaces improvement” and how to “engage with children and young people” about what they want.

The report says that children’s wellbeing, safety, learning, social development and enjoyment of childhood are affected by the extent and quality of their opportunities to play. I totally agree, and would be fully supportive if only the Conservatives and Lib Dems in charge of the council would practise what they preach.

For over a year I’ve been campaigning for the former Manor School fields in Boroughbridge Road, Acomb, to become a public open space.

Despite a petition signed by 540 residents, the Tory-led council outright rejected my request that they begin planning and engaging with residents (including young people) about the future of the fields.

This is threatening plans to use ward funding to deliver free activities on the former Manor School playing fields for local kids throughout the school holidays and stops us using ward funds to install play facilities.

I would urge Tory and Lib Dem leaders then, please stop the hypocrisy, start listening to Acomb residents and let’s have the former Manor School fields opened up as Acomb Park, a top class, green open space for the people of Acomb.

Cllr Stuart Barnes, Labour, Acomb ward, York