Ref. 26724-4-3ACOMMUNITY leaders in Penhill hope work to refurbish a play area will lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour on the estate.

Swindon Council plans to spend £40,000 on refurbishing the Minety Road play area.

Besides replacing worn-out equipment, it plans to install a converted bus shelter as a meeting point for youngsters.

It is hoped that once youngsters have their own place to hang out, they will stop congregating in other parts of the estate and causing a nuisance.

Gangs have been causing problems at the shops in Braydon Court and in Clive Parade, Penhill Community Centre in Everleigh Road, and outside Penhill library.

In July, teenager Liam Walsh was banned from these areas after Swindon magistrates heard that he led a gang responsible for turning them into no-go areas.

Walsh, 13, of Corsham Road, Penhill, was issued with a three-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order, although his parents argued that he was no worse than many other youngsters in the area.

Youngsters and parents have long argued that problems are caused because the estate has nothing for children to do.

Coun David Glaholm, (Lab, Penhill,) said: "Children have been complaining to me for sometime about the state of the Minety Road site.

"It's in a desperate need of repair.

"A lot of the problems in places like Braydon Court are caused because there is nothing for the youngsters to do.

"This is a step in the right direction towards getting facilities restored in Penhill Park."

Some play equipment has already been removed from Minety Road on health and safety grounds, and there were fears it could close altogether.

Play equipment has been removed from several areas in Penhill in recent years.

Marilyn Beale, of the Penhill Forum, also welcomed the council's plans.

But she was angry the teen shelter will not be new but a recycled bus shelter.

She said: "I am really pleased we are getting this.

"But we don't want second- hand equipment, we need a brand new shelter.

"If it proves to be popular, then we at the Penhill Forum will raise money to buy a new one."

Plans for the new play area have been based on consultation with local residents.

The new equipment will include sit-on toys, a roundabout and an agility walkway.

Benches, dog-proof fencing and a safety surface will also be installed during the work later this year.