THE action group set up by parents to fight for better play parks in Middlewich has been given a name.

Residents’ Association for Middlewich Parks (RAMP) has been launched in support of the Guardian’s Fair Play campaign.

The group is independent but will be working alongside the town council and Middlewich Vision with the ultimate aim of putting pressure on Cheshire East Council for play areas to be brought up to an ‘acceptable standard’.

Father-of-two Karl Jamieson, chairman of RAMP, said: “The next stages are to start to engage with schools, nurseries, churches and community groups in the campaign.

“We want to have the children of the town involved in deciding what they want as much as the adults.”

The group’s audit of 10 Middlewich parks revealed that only two were deemed acceptable in terms of condition and fitness for purpose.

Recurring problems were graffiti, dog fouling, litter and lack of maintenance and equipment.

The worst scoring play area was the one in Sycamore Drive with a score of less than 30 per cent.

In contrast, Pennymore Drive park scored more than 90 per cent in terms of being fit for use.

Karl added: “The facilities in Sandbach were the result of a five-year long campaign and to have one or two flagship parks in the town like that would be the ultimate aim.

“Sustainability is the key for me. Whatever we achieve has to be sustainable in 10 to 15 years from now.”

Clr Steve Mitchell, of Middlewich Town Council, has agreed to discuss the results of the audit with Cheshire East Council.

Rachel Pendleton, group member and town councillor, said: “I want to thank everyone who attended and has joined the group.

“The ideas and enthuiasm were great and hopefully we can push on now and start making a difference. The children in Middlewich deserve better.”

Meanwhile, the Guardian’s petition for better, safer play parks now has more than 300 signatures.

The aim is for 1,500 to trigger a debate at full council.

RAMP is appealing for more members. For more information, contact Karl at middlewichparks@gmail.com