A CAMPAIGN for a new football pitch in Park North was launched by a 13-year-old boy who found himself with nowhere to play.

Frank Webb joined friends, knocked on doors and collected more than 100 signatures on a petition.

He finally handed the fruits of his labours over to Swindon mayor Stan Pajak shortly before a council meeting.

Frank and friends have steered clear of nearby playing fields, saying they are littered with glass, rubbish and dog mess.

And when neighbours complained about the boys playing football on a patch of grass off Welcome Avenue they were stuck with nowhere to play.

Some of the irate neighbours even parked their cars on the grass to make sure no games could take place.

Frank, who goes to Churchfields School and supports Germany and Holland, said: "I like playing football, but there is nowhere to play around here.

"There is dog mess, glass and litter everywhere on the paying fields.

"We got banned from playing football on the green in front of our house because the neighbours started complaining.

"We knocked on doors, asked people walking past and got friends to sign our petition. We just want somewhere to play in peace and quiet."

Coun Steve Allsopp (Lab., Parks) has now taken up Frank's case and has vowed to try to find the boys somewhere to play in peace, and with proper football goals.

He said: "Let's hope we can find somewhere for the boys to play safely and unearth some future Swindon Town stars in the process.

"The petition has gone before cabinet and will now go to the relevant committee."

Frank's mum, Sally, 37, said: "The piece of land across from our house is ideal for the boys because we can hear and keep an eye on them but some of the neighbours have got upset and parked their cars to stop them playing."

Earlier this month the Advertiser reported how another group of disenchanted Park North friends handed a petition to the council calling for a safe skate park on the estate.

Natasha Letouche, 13, and Caimen Townsend, 11, of Leighton Avenue, want the council to build a skate park on land at the back of New College, commonly referred to Buckhurst Fields.

Their approach is being considered.

The mayor said: "The one thing this council does not get is a lot of participation from younger people.

"Young people should make demands from us for things they want.

"I can assure them we will listen to their concerns and speak up for them.

"This petition shows initiative. I'm all in favour of play provision whether it be skateboarding, football or whatever."