AN ADVENTURE playground in York would become a magnet for antisocial behaviour if volunteer play workers are scrapped, residents have warned.

The Bell Farm adventure playground currently operates under restricted access rules, and the volunteers monitor visitors and looking after the children who visit the park.

But plans are in hand to provide completely open access to the playground, making the volunteers’ role redundant.

A statement on behalf of the playground’s trustees said: “The trustees have agreed that this is the best way to improve the access for local children to the playground and the new equipment provided by the council through playbuilder funding.

“Sadly, the sessional play leaders are being made redundant.

“However, following a consultation with local residents and the children at the site, the funding received from City of York Council will be used to buy in provision to better meet the needs of the local community.

“It will provide activities after school and in the school holidays. We want to see the site being used every day, not just the limited use that is being made of it at present.”

But visitors to the playground feel that the changes, with the withdrawal of supervision and access restrictions, would make it vulnerable to vandalism and attract antisocial behaviour.

In 2001 and 2003, the playground was the target of a series of vandal attacks, including an arson attack which caused damage to some of the structures.

Gareth Barrett, of Byland Avenue, is one of the volunteers at the playground.

He said: “I think it will just go to waste if unsupervised. It’s an ideal spot for drug use and for people to drink, as it’s secluded and out of the way.

“I think it will definitely change a lot, if it is left open.

“You go to any other park in York and they’ve been wrecked. Ours is the only one closed and locked off and no damage has been done.”

Zoe Holmes, of Bell Farm Avenue, takes her sons Christopher, five, and Brady, three, to the playground regularly.

She said: “With the staff, you can go away and leave them here, knowing they’re not going to get bullied and they will be safe. I wouldn’t come back if it didn’t have staff.”

Amy Laverack, of Byland Avenue, often visits the playground with her three children.

She said: “At the moment the teenagers have respect for it, but if it was open to everyone through the night, it would defintely get trashed.”