IT’S a fight that has pitched young campaigners against the elderly population of a seaside community.

Opponents of plans for a children’s play park in Barton-on-Sea crammed into New Milton council chamber on Monday as the Battle of Long Meadow hotted up.

The show of solidarity followed a rally held by 100 parents and children in favour of the playground at the meadow.

Backed by about 50 members of the Friends of Long Meadow, spokesman Tony Woolfe, who previously claimed the play area would not be used because Barton has ‘very aged population’, told councillors they were against ‘unsympathetic developments’.

He claimed a conveyancing document dating from 1935 said Long Meadow should be preserved as open space for the benefit of inhabitants.

“My key point is the word ‘preserve’ within the covenant: The word ‘preserve’ means to keep or maintain in unaltered condition,” he said.

The town council is looking at three options – a play meadow, an adventure trail and a traditional playground.

The plans are currently the subject of a New Forest District Council consultation.

Mr Woolfe asked the town council if members were satisfied the consultation had been robust enough to overcome ‘significant local objection to developments’.

Chairman Cllr Janette Duke said his comments had been noted. The issue will be discussed by the amenities committee on Tuesday, March 1.

• Council clerk Graham Flexman later said Mr Woolfe was incorrect and the conveyancing document he referred to was for Barton Common and not Long Meadow which was transferred in 1921.