THREE mothers on a mission are hoping to raise a five-figure sum to keep their children off the streets.
Emma Driscoll, Mandy Newnham and Anita Perry want to generate £75,000 to build a multi-purpose games area in Cowley Recreation ground, off High Road, Cowley.
They joined forces after their children were repeatedly told to stop playing in the streets by officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Mother-of-four Mrs Driscoll, of Barlee Crescent, Cowley, said: "We know quite a lot of children around here and it's what they need.
"When they go over to Brunel (University) it costs £3 or £4 to go into one of their caged recreation areas and the majority of people in this area are not that well off."
Plans for the games area have already been drawn up, and are being looked at by Hillingdon Council officers.
The mothers plan to apply to the council's Chrysalis regeneration fund to help with costs.
Miss Perry, 37, of Orchard Waye, Uxbridge, told the Gazette how residents often get frustrated with footballs landing in their gardens while the teens are playing in the streets.
The mother of five said: "Everyone moans about the local kids at times but there isn't really a great deal for them to do. It's younger teenagers that lose out.
"It could be a great place for the kids to hang out without pestering the local residents and where the whole family could spend the day."
To kick start funds, the mothers have organised a family fun day on the recreation ground for August 17, which they hope could become an annual event.
Pony rides, a football tournament and barbecue have all been organised for noon-4pm.
Mary Worrall, head of highways and green spaces at the council, said they were delighted to be helping the mothers with their funding bid.
Miss Driscoll, who has a disabled son, Jack, nine, would also like to see the facilities made suitable for those who are physically disadvantaged.
She added: "There's a lot of talk about obesity.
"We want our children to enjoy themselves and have some exercise and not just sit at home on games consoles.
"We want them to have somewhere to meet new people."
