CHILDREN in Worcester's Rainbow Hill have responded to criticism of a youth shelter in Warndon Villages by saying: "If you don't want it, we'll have it".

Young people in the area claim they do not have anywhere to play or hang around without being moaned at by angry grown-ups.

They say one climbing frame is the only piece of play equipment provided for the area's 525 children.

A shelter, which has been built in Warndon Villages to provide a place for youngsters to congregate away from homes and shops, has been criticised for being ugly and of no use when it rains.

But the children of Rainbow Hill said they would not be so fussy.

"I'd love it, it's better than nothing," said 16-year-old Rhys West, who has been petitioning for money to be spent on the area's children.

"We play football in the street but they are always saying 'clear off'.

"All we want is a piece of grass to play on and maybe some temporary goalposts." Rhys said play equipment needed to be provided for children of all ages and his friends agreed.

"We just need a park," said 12-year-old Jordan Macdonald. "I skate a lot and we just get moaned at if we do it in the street. We've got nothing to do."

Nine-year-old Bethany Wise was more precise. "I'd like a see-saw, slide and swings," she said. "And a sandpit!" added Brandon Adams, aged six.

The existing climbing frame is provided on land owned by Worcester Community Housing.

City councillor for Rainbow Hill, Adrian Gregson, said he would support anybody who wanted the authority to provide more money for play equipment.

"There's always more that can be done for young people," he said.

Ian Yates, head of parks at the city council said the authority refurbished three playgrounds every year, depending on which was most urgent.