basketball court and football pitch on a plot of Government land adjacent to the Southampton Rangers Sports Club.

The grassy 1.6-acre space, already used by youths as an informal soccer pitch, is the site of a proposed playground in an area short on facilities for young people.

The land, which belongs to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks is presently leased to the Southampton Sports Club as a recreational field and parking area and is zoned as an open space.

But if planning permission is granted, the four-member Southampton East Play Ground Committee overseeing the project will be laying the groundwork for a fully equipped playground, soccer pitch and car park to be used as a basketball court.

"It is a really worthwhile project,'' said Progressive Labour Party Southampton East MP Mr. Stanley Lowe. "There is a real need for it in Southampton East.'' Residents in the area also voiced their approval.

"We do need something in the area for young people. They need things to do,'' said Mrs. Alberta Darrell. "I think it would be a good idea.'' Another Southampton resident, Mrs. Gladys Smith, also welcomed the proposal.

"It is a good idea,'' she said. "There is definitely a need for it. At the moment there is nothing in the parish for young people and it is a good location.'' However, some queried the proximity to the Rangers' Club which serves alcoholic beverages and which has been the site of drunken brawls in the past.

Others questioned the proximity of the proposed playground to the road.

But Committee member and Chairman of the Southampton East branch of the UBP Mr. Calvin Simons said the playground, to be situated to the north of the property bordering Horseshoe Road, would be fenced off.

And he added that the location had been chosen at the request of the community.

To date, financing plans have not been finalised and the cost of the project has yet to be disclosed. Committee member Mr. Reginald Minors said financing would come from Government and other sources, but that this had yet to be finalised.

"It is a joint effort between the community, the Rangers Club and the Government,'' Mr. Minors said.