THREE cheers for Faizan Awan for suggesting that his £1,500 prize money should go towards play equipment for youngsters in Corporation Park (LET, August 12).

When my children were small there was a paddling pool, as well as all the other equipment. When I take my grandchildren to the park there is only a slide and a climbing frame.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council is quoted as saying: "If play equipment is not in our current spending programme, I am sure we can come up with something."

That is not good enough. If Faizan wants to use his money for play equipment, that is what it should be for.

The council is very willing to spend thousands of pounds on upgrading the public halls and altering Church Street, yet cannot find the money for a much-needed children's playground.

And when the playground has been refurbished there should be a notice board at each entrance, as there used to be, informing people that the playground is only for children under 12.

Then, hopefully, the equipment will not be used and broken by teenagers.

BARBARA RIDING, Fairhope Court, Blackburn.