COMMUNITY-MINDED youngsters on a Canvey housing estate have started a campaign to improve their play area.

The dozen youngsters, aged between four and 12, have banded together in an effort to make the rundown green in St George’s Walk a safer, more attractive place for them to play.

The area is littered with broken glass, gaping potholes and cracked kerbstones.

The band of friends has already started litter picking sessions and weeding in the area.

They also organised a cupcake sale to raise money to pay for improvements such as new bins and plants.

Kasey Blackwell, 11, of St George’s Walk, said: “A lot of my friends have been tripping over.

“One of them broke their arm and others have had cuts.

“We just want it to be a better place for us to play.

“It’s like our second home, really. We spend most of our time there, especially during the holidays and it’s great, because it’s so close to our homes, so our parents are just nearby.”

The youngsters have written to Castle Point Council asking it to improve the green.

Liam Jones, 12, also of St George’s Walk, said: “I’ve been playing there for years and it’s been getting worse.

“We just want to try to change it, so we’ve been clearing up the grass and pulling up the weeds and making it better.

“We’re really lucky to have this here, as there are no other parks nearby. That’s why we need to take care of it.”

The baby of the group, Yvie Loughlin, four, of St Mark’s Road, said: “If there could be some more flowers it would be really nice.

“I just want it to be tidier, so I can play. I really enjoy playing there with my friends.”

Parent Tina Hope, of St Mark’s Road, said she could not be more proud of her three children, Cameron, Eleanor and Lucy who have all got involved.

She said: “I think it is lovely what they are doing.

“At the end of the day, a lot of kids go out smashing things up and making mess, whereas they want to make it a nicer, safer environment.

“I’m so proud of them.”