Mother and MP Patrice Minors is calling for the rejuvenation of Loyal Hill Community Playground to help put the focus back on families in her Smith's North constituency.

The Progressive Labour Party backbencher says improving community facilities can counter the rise in anti-social behaviour seen throughout much of the Island.

Visiting her constituency with The Royal Gazette, Mrs. Minors pointed to rusty old swings and broken equipment scattered across the Loyal Hill playground which used to be a popular local gathering spot.

"This is hardly a place where you want young people to come and utilise now," said Mrs. Minors, who has a five-year-old daughter Honor.

"We want this to become a central point for families to come and use. It's important for the development of the child, the development of the family unit, to come out and have a time of fun and relaxation.

"Focusing on the family scene can help make sure children develop the appropriate moral standards."

Asked whether Bermuda has lost its way in that respect, Mrs. Minors replied: "I think you find that across the world. What we need to get back to is the simple things, the basic things, when the children are young so that they can make good decisions when they are older.

"You can't hold their hand for the rest of their lives."

Mrs. Minors said Loyal Hill Community Association has been in talks with the Environment Ministry and Parks Department to try to restore the equipment and fix the broken fence.

The playground area has also had problems with unauthorised scramblers in the evenings, and Mrs. Minors said locals can help monitor the situation by calling the Police when they cause a nuisance.