A GAMES area well used by children could close if funding negotiations remain at a sticking point.

The multi-use games area alongside Limes Farm Junior Primary School in Chigwell is used by pupils during the day and member's of the public in the evening.

The crumbling of a historic funding agreement between the school, the county council and the district council as the play area's surface deteriorates means it may be shut by the summer.

Sophia Pardalis, headteacher, said: "The children play all sorts of games they can't do on the grass.

"Most parents understand that the play area provides a safe place to play. Now we might have to close the play area.

"Right now Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) and Essex County Council (ECC) have a short term agreement with us.

"EFDC pay a portion of the maintenance. Over the last few months this was being discussed and they said they no longer want to be a part of the agreement."

The agreement was drawn up in 1972 when it was decided that maintenance for the ECC owned play area would be split 6:1 between the district council and school, with the district council paying the bulk.

With EFDC under pressure to cut expenditure as funding from central government decreases, it looks unlikely it will stump up its share of the £89,000 needed to bring the area to a good standard.

While those at the school believe the decision has already been made, an EFDC spokesperson said the negotiations would continue for several more weeks.

Chairperson of Lime Farm Resident's Association Kay Morrison said: "Obviously, safety is an imperative. That pupils have a suitable play space is a priority.

"The space is also used informally outside school hours for leisure activities by adults, families and young people.

"If ownership and responsibility shift, this could be impossible. The lights could go off."