AN action plan created to encourage more playgrounds and activities for children should help stamp out the political correctness which leads to today's youngsters being wrapped in cotton wool.

That was the view of some Wychavon district councillors when they discussed the district's play strategy at an executive board meeting.

The council has created the plan for 2007-2010 as part of a submission for a share of £124 million Big Lottery funding for supporting children's play.

If the council can prove it has a clear strategy for the money it could be awarded just over £200,000. Councillors were shown an action plan outlining proposals for £2.5 million investment in play schemes, including money from the Big Lottery, Wychavon, Worcestershire County Council and other associations and partnerships.

Councillor Roy Seabourne said: "This is a superb example of getting over the PC thing of wrapping children in cotton wool."

However, he said that he was unimpressed with the plan, particularly as a playground on the Westlands estate at Droitwich had been closed.

Other councillors also raised concerns that more of the Big Lottery money should be spent in rural areas.

According to the plan, the Evesham adventure playground and a new adventure play area and BMX track in Davies Road, Evesham, would swallow up the entire £200,000.

But managing director Jack Heggarty said the council had put forward its best schemes and if they could secure the money more initiatives would be realised in both rural and urban areas.

If funding is awarded, all of the projects in the play strategy are likely to be eligible for more money from elsewhere.

Phil Merrick, the council's head of community services, asked members to encourage people in their wards to develop ideas for play activities.