A playground on Dorset’s second most deprived estate is under threat.

Swings and other play equipment at Ferndown’s Heatherlands Estate are in danger of being pulled down because they are too old.

Ferndown town councillor Steven Lugg wants to refurbish the 15-year-old play area in Dugdell Close and was shocked when the council’s environment committee voted to demolish it.

Around 120 people, including community groups and the estate’s doctor and health visitors, have already joined his campaign to save the playground. The estate is home to 2,000 residents and most of Ferndown’s children.

Cllr Lugg, who’s got quotes from builders and hopes to secure external grants for replacement equipment, said: “The playground is still usable, but after 15 years it’s starting to break and the rubber swings are perishing.

“This was a straightforward item but councillors moved to demolish the playground and leave it as a blank space.

“I am astounded and only hope that the full town council treats this resolution with the contempt it deserves.”

Some committee members felt the estate has enough play areas.

Cllr Lugg said: “At a time when we’re putting together a Town Plan we should be listening to what people want us to spend money on, not completely ignoring them.”

Mum-of-four Sherrell Webb takes her family to the playground regularly and says it’s always in use. She said: “It’s enclosed so I feel safe taking them there and it’s also easy to see the children no matter where they are in the park.

“If it’s closed there is no other park on the estate that is suitable for all children. They’ll have nowhere to play and will then be getting told off for hanging around the streets.”

The full council will vote on November 8, after a report from the town clerk and a qualified playground inspector.