A PLAY area christened Moulton Towers by village children was officially opened on Wednesday The new toddler and junior area, in Main Road, may have had problems with yobs since it opened for play last month but it is already proving extremely popular among the children it is aimed at.

Elaine Beech, Moulton Parish Council clerk, said: "I've had a couple of emails from parents saying they're concerned because they can't get their children home, they enjoy it so much."

Clr Mark Green said: "I know we moan about vandalism but, as someone who takes his kids there on a regular basis, it's fantastic.

"We may wring our hands about the problems on it but we have to recognise that it's a fantastic contribution."

Vale Royal mayor Clr Doug Shingler and youth mayor Charlotte Bagueley opened the new facilities on Wednesday.

Thanks to funding from Waste Recycling Group Limited, administered through WREN and Vale Royal Borough Council, the parish council has been able to work with residents, Moulton Primary School, Groundwork Cheshire and the borough council on the project.

This has seen the council redesign and reinvigorate the whole of the playing fields, including the multi-use games area and teen shelters opened in July 2005.

Clr Denise Watkinson, parish council chairman, said: "It has taken some time to secure funding for this project but we are very pleased to be able to deliver our commitment to the community to install new play areas.

"They are already in great use and the children in our village appear delighted with them."

Borough councillor John Grimshaw said: "Play is increasingly recognised as being important to the social and physical development of children and young people.

"This new facility offers achallenging and stimulating play environment which has been very well received by the community."