A GROUP of Harpenden mums dedicated to transforming a derelict patch of land into a playground for youngsters kicked off their fundraising on Sunday.

The parents' action group organised a giant car boot sale on the land they are planning to rejuvenate in the Westfield area of the town.

And they raised £372 from the day's sales, a barbecue, tombola, lucky dips and cake stalls.

Mother-of-two Debbie Lee, of Riverford Close, set up the committee of mums because she wanted to improve the facilities for young people in Harpenden.

The residents, who have formed Westfield Community Action Project, or Westcap, want to build an under-eights' adventure playground, junior football pitches, an all-weather sports surface/basketball court and a car park.

Permission to convert the land has already been agreed in principle by St Albans District Council and Harpenden Town Council.

It is expected to be rubber stamped by the district council's leisure committee in September.

Mrs Lee said: "We have been given the go-ahead in that we have the support of both councils.

"But we will get the official yes or no in committee on September 24.

"We have to come up with a plan showing what we want to do, how much it will cost and how we will raise the money."

Converting the field, which will involve levelling it, demolishing garages which have been a magnet for vandals in the past and building the new facilities, is expected to cost somewhere in the region of £100,000.

But Mrs Lee said she hoped more people would come on board with the community project to help raise the necessary funds.

She said: "Everybody is getting excited about it and gearing up to raise money."

And she is appealing for a surveyor to offer his or her services for free to the project.

Anyone who thinks they can help can contact Mrs Lee on 01582 712779.

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