A WEST Devon group formed just five months ago is celebrating a giant step forward in their efforts to create a purpose built play area for young people.

Hatherleigh Residents' Association has an ambitious target of £25,000 to create a play park for youngsters in the Moor View area of the town.

Secretary of the group, Martin Pritchard, said a major jump in fundraising has been realised, after the group was promised £5,000 by West Devon Homes, a further £2,500 from Westcountry Housing Association — with more to come from Devon and Cornwall Housing.

Mr Pritchard said: 'I'm delighted. It's all happened fairly quickly but there is a definite need here.

'We have achieved so much, we really have and it's down to the efforts of the residents' association.

'This is for real, we are not kidding around. Our target is £25,000 and with play areas, that is so easy to spend.'

Mr Pritchard said the play park was recognised as a priority 'almost immediately' by the newly-formed residents' association.

'When building started in Moor View some 15 years ago, West Devon Borough Council assured parents a play area would be provided.

'Now those children are out to work! Even now, there is no play area with necessary facilities and equipment,' said Mr Pritchard.

He said substantial development had taken place in the area since then and although the area was available, fenced and ready, that was as far as it went.

Mr Pritchard said: 'Children need spaces to play that are stimulating, accessible and safe. Opportunities must be provided to ensure children learn and practice a range of skills.'

He said people must realise that today's children are tomorrow's ruling generation.

'I believe that we as adults have a very real responsibility to prepare them for the world that they are destined to inherit from us,' he said.

Andy Ames, of West Devon Homes, said the housing company was happy to be supporting the residents' association.

'They are going full speed ahead for this play area — and hopefully they will be lucky with further funding,' said Mr Ames.

Hatherleigh Residents' Association is also in contact with the Community Council of Devon, WestDEN, West Devon Play Forum and others.

News of the successful grant application to Westcountry Housing Association came after a meeting last week.

Julian Tuck, chief executive, said: 'We set up a pot of money a while ago, because as an association, we were aware there were things that were slightly beyond our scope as a landlord.

'I am pleased to say we will be able to grant them £2,500 towards their play area.

'Obviously we have tried to take into account the scale of our involvement in Hatherleigh. I'm aware at some stage there is going to be some additional social housing in the area and if we are involved in additional properties, we would consider making further contributions at that stage.'

And Devon and Cornwall Housing Association's Tenants' Millennium Awards Panel has just met to consider a funding request.

Malcolm Tester, communications manager, said: 'We have a small amount of money set aside — we've had our meeting and in principle we are quite happy to make a contribution.'

Mr Tester said the amount donated would be settled after further discussions with the residents' association.

Linda Church, community regeneration and leisure officer for the borough council, said: 'We do give grants for play areas, to a maximum of £5,000.

'Unfortunately we always have more projects than there is money available.'