While most children are thinking about what to ask Santa for this Christmas, two civic-minded youngsters have created a wish list for councillors to improve their nearby park.

At the moment, Botley play area, off Botley Road, has a slide, three climbing frames, two roundabouts, two sets of swings and an empty paddling pool.

But a walk around the park inspired seven-year-olds Arthur Duckham and Ione Rail to come up with some suggestions to freshen up the place for the people who use it.

Items on their list include a graffiti board, more plants, a picnic area, a mini farm with a farmer to tell children what breed the animals are, a secret garden and five bungee ropes.

They would also like better padding under the equipment, a dog alarm in the playground and different Wendy Houses like a space rocket or undercover spy base.

Arthur, of Henry Road, Oxford, said: "We wanted to make the park more interesting. We also wanted more bins as there were not enough and there is a lot of litter on the floor."

Ione and Arthur presented their ideas to Oxford City Council's central, south and west area committee meeting earlier this month at West Oxford Primary School, where they are pupils.

Two brothers who regularly use the park have also compiled a list of improvements.

Jack Bloomer, 10, of Henry Road, said: "We want a zip wire, a high wall for kicking footballs against, and two water taps to fill up water pistols."

His eight-year-old brother Sam added: "We also want a mended or new cricket wicket and some more goal posts."

Oxford City Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: "We have no current plans to make improvements to Botley play area.

"However, the current play area action plan is open for consultation and we would encourage people to feed back to us with their views through www.oxford.gov.uk/leisure/ playconsultation.cfm."

Play areas on some of Oxford's estates have been earmarked for closure under a city council cost-cutting review. According to council officers, 16 of the city's 97 play areas are surplus to requirement as there are similar facilities nearby.

Additional play areas could also be closed because refurbishing them is considered to be too costly.