Your readers will be aware that a number of Oxford play areas are under threat of closure through lack of funds to maintain or upgrade them.

The Liberal Democrat portfolio holder has recently suggested they are not affordable. I would disagree.

The Labour group leadership spent hours trying to get decent funding in the recent budget negotiation. Our efforts were rejected in favour of a much smaller amount.

When this failed, my last-ditch amendment to more than double the amount was voted down, too, by the Lib Dems and the Greens.

I can understand that it wasn't a priority for them, but that still leaves children with fewer places to play. This particularly affects those with less money. Consultation over what happens to the play areas finishes at the end of the month.

In Wood Farm, there are three areas suggested for closure that I feel should stay open.

Girdlestone Road grassed area, Chillingworth Crescent and Titup Hall Drive are all near young families, with not much space for their children, and could all be kept and improved.

I am campaigning to keep them open and find money to upgrade them.

Anyone who wants to write to the city council should let their views be known to the Parks Department by Thursday.

It was great to get Lottery money for Wood Farm green and Pauling Road, but that shouldn't be an excuse to shut other areas.

Joe McManners (Councillor), Labour, Churchill ward, Oxford City Council