CHILDREN are sufffering from St Albans District Council's failure to provide them with places to play and enjoy themselves, according to critics.

Tory councillors say the Liberal Democrat-led authority, which has recently approved a draft strategy for children's play, needs to act more urgently.

Conservative leader Teresa Heritage said: "It is disappointing to see yet another five-year strategy document.

"There are steps that can be taken now to improve play opportunities for children and young people.

"The council seems to be constantly producing strategies, but not actually delivering on key leisure projects."

She highlighted the much-delayed city centre cinema project, and the lack of progress in replacing sports centres at Westminster Lodge and in London Colney.

Pointing the finger at Councillor Sheila Burton, responsible for sport and leisure on the Lib Dem cabinet, the Tory leader said: "She could drive a sense of urgency into the Westminster Lodge/Cotlandswick leisure facility replacements and cinema projects to produce real results and tangible play opportunities for parents and children in our district."

Mrs Heritage criticised the failure to ask groups like the Scouts, cadets, churches and sports clubs how the council could help them expand play activities.

And the Conservative group has also called for more co-operation with the police to provide natural play areas without exposing children to dangers.

Councillor Heritage added: "More emphasis should be given to encouraging more fairs, circuses and sporting events in the district.

"The council should also seek to promote and support existing children's clubs and groups.

"And it should seek to repair or replace, subject to local consultation, the Tallents Crescent Play area in Harpenden which is currently derelict and an eyesore."

Council leader Robert Donald said: "It is certainly not true that we are being tardy in putting in investment - there is a six-figure sum in the budget for replacing and renewing play areas.

"We are applying to the Lottery for nearly £234,000 for children's play and we have every chance of getting that.

"We have consulted widely and local youth groups have also been contacted by the Lottery fund.

"This money will be spent not just on play equipment but on leisure for teenagers.

"We are looking at having a mobile skateboard facility.

"And there may also be a young people's garden.

"No-one has tried harder than myself and the portfolio holders to get a cinema, but the developers have not so far been able to put forward a scheme that meets planning requirements.

"There will be a report coming to cabinet in October on a replacement for Westminster Lodge, but we are talking about several million pounds - you can't spend that sort of money just like that."

He added that the council was working with a private company to bring an ice-skating rink to Westminster Lodge this winter.