I was saddened to read about the young people at Matthew Arnold School at Cumnor, who are not able to use the park close to their school (Oxford Mail, October 2).

I think it is at 11-plus that they need to be off the street and have somewhere to play. It is very shortsighted of the parish council to spend Lottery money on a park for under 12s near a school for 11-year-olds and over.

In August, I spent a week in Swanage with my grandchildren. They had great fun in the park near the sea front.

It was designed for children and young people up to 18.

Some agile parents also had great fun using the equipment, which was very well designed and challenging for all ages.

There was also a small skateboard area next to it.

As some of our councils intend upgrading many parks in the coming years, perhaps they should consult Purbeck and other councils for some much-needed new ideas.

LINDA PRICE Lime Walk Headington Oxford