VOLUNTEERS have stepped in at the 11th hour to revive a much-loved Blackbird Leys playground.

The 35-year-old Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground (BLAP) closed last year after funds ran out and volunteer numbers dwindled.

Since then trustees have been trying to encourage new people to step in and run it, but to no avail.

A make-or-break meeting last Thursday was expected to bring an end to the project for good, but at the last minute, six people stepped in and offered to restart it.

Hundreds of children used to play at the site in Cuddesdon Way every week, which hosted an after-school club and school holiday activities.

It has stood empty and run-down for months and needs investment and maintenance to get it back on its feet.

Former treasurer Penny Wood said: “There is hope now. The fact people locally suddenly felt they wanted to help BLAP is brilliant.

“It will take a while to get things back on course.

“They are going to have to look at what they can provide and see how they are going to fund it.”

Projects like BLAP need a committee, including a chairman, treasurer and secretary to apply for cash grants.

The scheme also needs people who can do painting, decorating and gardening to keep the facility on its feet.

The trustees have been trying for years to drum up more help for the scheme, and were surprised to see so many faces last week.

Those coming forward included volunteers from the Cowley and Marston areas of the city.

Former chairman Rennie Elliott said: “We have been trying for years to get a few more people involved but it has been like talking to a wall.

“We had about 20 people attend the meeting and managed to secure seven people to start a new management committee.

“Now we have got a committee they can focus on fundraising and maybe reopening.

“There is now an enthusiastic group of people willing to develop BLAP in the future.”

Incoming chairman Kieran Watson said: “I would like to say thank you to Rennie, Penny and Pat Stannard for their long service at BLAP by highlighting their total commitment, successful outcomes and willingness to support the forming of a new committee during difficult times.

“We hope to build on their positive work and involve others into creating a cohesive vision at BLAP through community fundraising, partnership agreements, cooperate sponsorship and willing donations.”