An vandal hit adventure playground could receive a major funding boost from City of York Council, if agreed by members of the Executive on Tuesday, 16 December.

Councillors are being asked provide emergency financial support to the Bell Farm Adventure Playground Management Committee to help get the site back up and running following a fire on 23 November 2003.

As a result of the incident, the main building needs to be demolished on health and safety grounds, at a cost of £6,000. An application has also been made to the York Pride / Safer York 'Target Hardening' Fund to provide fencing and gates for the site. Unless the playground is properly secured it is unlikely to receive insurance and may be forced to close.

The site was initially forced to close temporarily earlier this year following the findings of an OFSTED inspection. The council's play policy development worker will continue to work with the management committee and local community groups to improve the provision of the play equipment.