TRUSTEES are set to bring down the curtain on an Oxford adventure playground this week, after months of efforts to secure its future.

A make-or-break meeting for Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground is planned for Thursday.

If a new management committee to run it is not formed, permanent closure is on the cards.

The 35-year-old playground closed in December last year, and since then trustees have been trying to find new volunteers to take charge, but no-one has come forward.

Hundreds of children used to play at the site, which also hosted a supervised after-school club and school holiday activities.

Trustees’ chairman Rennie Elliott said: “I don’t know what will happen if no-one comes forward.

“Fingers crossed, we’ll get enough people coming forward to keep us up and running for the next 35 years.

“If they don’t, then we will definitely close for good.

“I know from speaking to other people that parents have been asking what’s happening to it and said they would lend support, but it seems a bit late now.”

“Considering Blackbird Leys is one of the biggest estates in Europe, there’s not much here. It’s a valuable facility.”

Miss Elliott added: “Volunteers are needed with imagination, time and energy to reshape the playground and put it back on its feet.

“Children want space to play and a place they can feel is especially for them.

“BLAP has always been that place since it started life as a shed on a bit of open ground, with a play worker to support the children.”

Miss Elliott said a treasurer, secretary were needed, along with other volunteers to fundraise or help out at the site.

Tasks would include painting, decorating and gardening.

She said: “Please don’t let the children down, get BLAP back up and running. If a new committee cannot be formed at the meeting, the charity will be wound down and brought to an end.”

Everyone is welcome to attend Thursday’s meeting at the playground, in Blackbird Leys Road, at 5pm.