A YORK mother is fighting for a safe and accessible place for children to play in the heart of the city.

Anna Semlyen said there is currently nowhere in York city centre for children to run around safely and for parents to meet.

Now she is calling on people to join her campaign which could see a playground built within the city walls.

Mrs Semlyen, 33, of Grange Street, who has a two-year-old daughter, Rosie, has already helped to secure extra equipment for her local playground thanks to a Fishergate Ward Committee grant.

But she said she needs the backing of other parents before she can approach City of York Council with the idea.

She said: "There are a few playgrounds in the city of York but they are so far off the beaten track.

"My child is very active, as are a lot of two-year-olds, and if I go into town I can't really relax.

"There's nowhere I can go so she can play safely and there's nowhere to meet people.

"I know we are quite short of space in the city centre, but local parents, grandparents and visitors who have children could all use the facility."

Mrs Semlyen said an unused area of Museum Gardens could house the playground, and she was hoping to hear other suggestions.

She said: "We have all been to a playground as children and we have all enjoyed them. I think it's a very important facility that parents currently don't have in the centre of York."

Guildhall ward councillor Brian Watson said it was a good idea, but lack of space could prove a problem.

He said: "I don't think this idea has been discussed before, and it is a good idea, but we have got a lack of space in the city centre. I am going to walk around the city at the weekend to see if there are any spaces immediately obvious.

"Parents do have to go in somewhere and have a cup of tea, or go into a pub before the children can be left to play."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "This is certainly a novel idea and not something we believe is provided in any other city on a permanent basis.

"However, at various times throughout the year the council does provide family entertainment in Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square.

"The council has also encouraged the Child Friendly York initiative where shops and other businesses sign up to provide child-friendly establishments."

He said new community play facilities will feature in the Hungate development.

If you would like to support the campaign, contact Anna on 01904 654355.

Updated: 12:15 Friday, November 01, 2002