Campaigners for a playground in Oxford city centre launched a petition which reached 850 signatures in one week.

A group of residents calling themselves OxPlay have started a petition to ask the city and county councils to install a playground or series of play spaces in the city centre.

850 parents, grandparents, carers and supporters signed the petition in just one week. At 1,500 signatures a debate can be triggered at Oxford City Council.

"There are very few places for children to play safely in the city centre," said Amelia Flower who signed the petition.

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"The museums are free but not accessible with a buggy, and (understandably) not suitable for energetic play. An outdoor, dog-free playground would enhance the city centre and make visiting much easier."

A playground in Barcelona city centre (Image: OxPlay)

Victoria Stalker wrote: "A city centre is unpredictable and strained because there is outdoor space where the children can decompress and enjoy without us worrying about traffic, running off etc.

"Only the library for indoors really and that is closed Sundays."

"When I visit Oxford there are very few outdoor options that actually captivate my young kids. I want them to love the city as much as I do," said Gemma Kirby.

This issue has cross party support.

Labour councillor and cabinet member for planning Louise Upton said: “Having spaces for caregivers and young children to play and enjoy time together is absolutely vital for healthy development, physical, mental and emotional.

"Bringing up children is a tough job, but this is not just about making life a bit easier for care-givers, it’s about encouraging them to come in to the city centre to take advantage of the wonderful free museums, and be inspired by the amazing city that they live in."

Liberal Democrat city councillor for Summertown Katherine Miles said: "As the city council we create the planning framework and so have the responsibility to ensure that play areas for children are incorporated to make the city centre a more inclusive public place for children."

And Green Party City Councillor for St. Mary’s Emily Kerr said: "We need our towns and cities to be more child-friendly to enable children to have outside play, to help families get out and about, and to benefit local businesses.

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"As a mother of young children myself I know how difficult the city centre can be currently without any space for the kids to let off steam. I really hope the city and county councils can develop a suitable scheme."

Former chair of Oxford Conservatives and county council candidate Tim Patmore agreed.

He said: "The city centre and the university should be there to inspire kids, but there’s very little to directly appeal to the next generation.

"Putting a playground in the heart of this historic city would encourage young families to visit the centre and be inspired by Oxford, just as Tolkien and CS Lewis were.

"As a bonus this would be good for businesses there too."