POLICE were called to deal with children on an Oxford estate who charged youngsters ‘£1 for a go’ on play equipment.

Barton officers intervened when children – mostly under 10 – began profiteering off swings, climbing frames, and slides, in Bonny Banks playground in Bernwood Road.

The children also bullied others, police said.

One mother, who did not wish to be named, said: “I suppose when you first hear about it, you could think it is quite funny.

“There is a serious side though.

“I don’t think it was any group of children specifically, kids are just kids.

“It’s a form of bullying.”

Sue Holden, from Barton Community Association, said the issue had been discussed by Barton, Risinghurst and Sandhills Neighbourhood Action Group, a public forum organised by police.

She said: “I’m happy it’s been resolved.

“It was something we didn’t want to see gaining momentum.

“I think it just needed to be nipped in the bud.

“If it was still a problem no-one would use the park, and they still are, so as far as we’re concerned it’s all sorted.”

A statement on the Barton page of the Thames Valley Police website said: “Bonny Banks Park – under-10s bully other children and charge for using the equipment most days after school.”

Sgt Jim Holmes, from the neighbourhood policing team, said it was an issue over the summer but youngsters who used the park were now in ‘good spirits’.

He said: “We’ve managed to sort it out by going to households to see parents and talking it over with them.

“We’ve also increased patrols around the area, and have been speaking to local youth groups to talk through what is happening.

“Now it looks to have been resolved.”

Keith Ponsford, headteacher of Bayards Hill Primary School, Waynflete Road, said he was aware of the incidents but nothing similar had happened within the school.