Vivien Dudek with son Steven.AN Amesbury mother has made a heartfelt plea to councillors in a bid to improve play facilities for disabled children living in the town.

Vivien Dudek, whose younger son Steven (seven) is wheelchair-bound, has written to the council's recreation committee, asking them to consider disabled access and inclusive equipment for less able children when revamping or planning new play areas.

She said she was more than happy to discuss this with them, with her experience of the need for such facilities.

"I just want them to make sure any new playgrounds are all-inclusive," said Mrs Dudek (41), who lives in The Drove.

"It would be nice to see some new equipment in the older parks, too - like the one in the recreation ground.

"The equipment there is a bit sad and sorry-looking but, more to the point, it's non-inclusive."

In fact, there are no outdoor play areas for disabled children in Amesbury, and Mrs Dudek said it was heart-wrenching always having to leave Steven in his wheelchair whenever she took his brother Philip (eight) to the playground.

"It really upsets me watching Steven not do anything because he's so physically disabled," she said.

"Unless I can get on a slide or roundabout with him, he can't go on, and it's really very difficult to get an adult on most of the equipment.

"There is one big swing which he can go on, and he loves that, but it does upset me that he can't play on the rest of the equipment, especially when I see other boys and their families playing together."

Mrs Dudek has already approached Salisbury district council with a similar request and said plans were afoot to build a playground with inclusive facilities on Hudson's Field.

"Steven enjoys life - there's no doubt about it," said Mrs Dudek.

"He's quite smiley and happy - it would just be nice to get some all-inclusive play equipment in Amesbury so he could join in with everyone else."

Deputy Mayor of Amesbury John Noeken told the Journal that it was certainly the town council's intention to consider incorporating equipment appropriate for less able children within the playground schemes being formulated for Amesbury.