Residents are calling for action over the state of their village play area.

Some of the play equipment has been in New Park, in Castle Hedingham, for more than 40 years, according to villages.

They have now started a petition calling for new equipment and the area to be made safer for children.

The land is owned by Hedingham Castle, owned by Jason Lindsay and his family.

Toby Hood, 22, who created the petition, is calling on Mr Lindsay and Castle Hedingham Parish Council to stop “laying waste” to the facilities in the village.

Mr Hood, who grew up in the village, said: “I never really thought of it when I was playing there when I was a toddler.

“It came to my attention when a family friend of mine, Tony Tassell, posted pictures of the state of the play area after he took his grandson there.

“It was quite surprising to see that it was in a bad state of condition.

“There is still the equipment there that was there when I played at the park.

“My brother has a baby and it would be nice for him to be able to take the baby there when they visit the family.”

After posting Mr Tassell’s photos on the Facebook group, Castle Hedingham Past and Present, other villagers also spoke of the need for repairs to be carried out and new equipment to be bought.

Mr Hood added: “I have always admired how positive the group is.

“Already, I group decided to go down there to have a look at the equipment.”

Villagers have taken photos showing nails poking out of the ground, lose screws and other poorly maintained areas of the park.

In ten munites, the petition had already got six signatures.

“I’m hoping a few people will sign it,” Mr Hood, said.

His father, Trevor Hood, is the chairman of Castle Hedingham Parish Council’s playground committee.

He said: “What is there is safe.

“There is no question of it being unsafe.

“We are confident that we will be able to work with the landowner to find a solution.

“We have already had a meeting with the Lindsay family and they have been very, very helpful.”

He added it was a priority of the parish council to sort the problem and they will be working closely with the villagers to make sure their needs are met.

Mr Lindsay declined to comment.

To sign the petition, visit: change.org/p/jason-lindsay-hedingham-castle-playground-improvements-in-new-park-castle-hedingham