Children need a space to play but in recent years their freedom to play has been severely restricted because of the dangers from traffic on the roads and concerns for their personal safety.

The Let's Play Project began as a small voluntary organisation in 2003 and is still managed by a voluntary group of parents and professionals. Now a registered charity, Let's Play aims to promote and develop inclusive play and leisure for disabled young people.

Trained support workers accompany young people to play and leisure activities in the school holidays and after school hours. Without this support, disabled young people would be denied their right to play.

Let's Play supports more than 50 families in Banbury. The project covers the cost of trained play workers who get to know the families through home visits and regular contact. Small charges are made to cover the costs of trips out and art and music activities.

An exciting proposal is to construct a play space with specialised equipment in the Bretch Hill area of Banbury. Let's Play are hopeful that they will secure funding from the Big Lottery to install adapted swings and a roundabout and climbing frame which can be used by disabled young people.

The project has already been offered support from the town council, the Gannett Foundation, owners of Newsquest, publishers of The Oxford Times, and The Wooden Spoon.

The only other specialist site in the area is near Wheatley.

Debbie Tyler, one of the parents who is enthusiastic about the park, said: "Having a safe, accessible playground will be a great plus for my daughter and us as a family. The opportunity to enjoy using the apparatus with her brother and friends will be wonderful. Such a facility is long overdue locally.

"Most parents with able-bodied children go to the park and don't think twice about it. For a family with a disabled child, finding an accessible play area is really difficult and means travelling further afield."

One child who takes part in Let's Play is Amy. Through the project she has been able to join in many activities including the Banbury Fun Run.

Katy, project co-ordinator, said: "Having run the whole way round, Amy still has energy and enthusiasm to model the hat and medal.

"Amy is keen to join in with every activity Let's Play runs. When we go bowling Amy is the first to help, praise and encourage the other young people, while, at the same time, improving her own game."

For further information contact Katy Weston, Let's Play Project, Fairway Community Support Initiative, The Fairway, Banbury, OX16 ORS, telephone 01295 263622 or email kt@letplay.wanadoo.co.uk To contribute to this column, contact Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action by email at voluntaryvoice@ocva.org.uk