Victory for Toddington campaigners

Last October, children and parents on the estate were shocked when workmen removed the slide, climbing frame and sit-on train, just days before the half-term holiday.

The estate's landlord Downland Housing Association said at the time that an inspection had found that the 12-year-old play area was unsafe and no longer met current stringent safety standards.

Downland said residents had been given a week's notice that the equipment would be removed.

However, parents criticised the decision to take it in the week before half-term, as it left their children with no play area for the school break.

Speaking to the Gazette at the time, Tracey Kilhams, the first resident to move into Fullers Walk in 1994, said: "Everyone is furious.

"The equipment seemed safe enough to us and we wouldn't have let the children onto it if it wasn't.

"There are lots of children on the estate and this is a safe play area right in the middle.

"There are already signs saying 'no ball games', so what are the children supposed to do?"

A campaign was launched, with children and parents making protest banners demanding the equipment be replaced.

Now, five months later, the new play area, which was paid for by Downland, has been officially opened by Littlehampton mayor Malcolm Belchamber.

At the opening, the children also had the chance to learn circus skills such as juggling, plate spinning and stilt-walking.

Play equipment includes a climbing pyramid, log walk, swinging steps, springy plank and suspension bridge.

Mother-of-four Sylvia Blanchard said: "It's lovely.

"We are really pleased with how it's turned out and the kids seem to enjoy it."

Mark Perry, chief executive of Downland, said he was "delighted" that the association was able to provide the new play equipment and said he hoped it would give the children a good deal of enjoyment.