It has been a play area for more than a quarter of a century for thousands of Onchan youngsters.

However, now, one official complaint is threatening to end all that.

And all the while, the Birch Hill playground remains fenced off until the matter is resolved.

Onchan Commissioners were initially told it did not require permission to replace the old equipment at the site.

But, after one Onchan resident objected, the Department of Local Government reconsidered its position and the local authority has subsequently submitted an application which is awaiting a decision.

The objection has led to nearly 200 children and adults in Onchan signing a petition to keep the area open.

Ashley Hill head, Linda Smith, hopes common sense will prevail: