Children have been protesting over plans to move their playpark to a new location.

Residents in Looe turned out in force, last weekend, in attempts to save their park at the Sunrising estate, which is the only one left in the town.

The park, which has already had its six swings removed for safety reasons, could be moved to the bottom of Sunrising if plans are submitted to Caradon District Council.

'Fewer people have gone down there since the swings have gone because they were the main attraction,' said Daniel Elliott, 12.

'It is a meeting spot for us, that is where we all meet.'

Town and district councillor, Armand Toms said: 'The swings have rusted with the salt air and they have been made dangerous.

'You are in a catch 22 because you can use money and replace them or save money and wait for them to be put in the new place.'

Cllr Toms confirmed plans were in place to build 13 new affordable homes on the site of the current playpark.

'They are only planning on moving the park a little way down the hill,' he said.

'The toddlers' playpark is going to be where the old pre-school was and the other park will go down on the bottom green.'

Many residents in the area say parents won't let their children go to the park if it is moved further down the hill.

Resident Tania Elliott, Daniel's mother, said: 'I wouldn't be happy if Danny was going down there because it is unsafe.

'I won't let him go down there because it is too far.

'You don't want kids being forced on to the roads, but they will because that is their only space to go because these houses don't have gardens.'

'It is right in the middle of everything, which makes it a good meeting place during the day and after school,' added Daniel.

Mr Toms said he is 'delighted' that there could be more affordable housing in the area and said local people would take preference.

But local residents say very few local people are allocated or can afford the houses.

'Nobody down here can afford the rent on our wages,' said Janet Chaston, whose house overlooks the park.

'We have to save the only green space we have left.'