Battling Loyal Hill residents yesterday unveiled plans for a playground -- signalling a major breakthrough in their campaign.

Protest group leader Mr. Keith Simmons said the proposal would go before the Development Applications Board shortly.

"We have spent two years working on this plan,'' he said.

The Loyal Hill Community Committee in Devonshire has been locked in a long battle over the 2.2-acre strip of land overlooking North Shore Road.

It has campaigned fiercely for a playground, fearing the ramshackle area would be used for other purposes.

Earlier this year, the group called on Government to "stop its rhetoric'' and make a decision on the site.

And they won backing from Devonshire North MP Mrs. Lois Browne Evans and former United Bermuda Party senator Mr. Charles Marshall.

The property was later turned over by Works & Engineering to the Ministry of Youth, Sport & Recreation.

Yesterday, Youth and Sports director Mr. Anthony Roberts explained the playground plans were drawn up by his Ministry and the Parks department.

"We encouraged the group run by Mr. Simmons to form themselves into a committee and operate the field.'' The plans were put on display yesterday during a Press conference at the site.

It was attended by residents, including Mr. Graham Benjamin, Mr. George Masters, and Mr. Michael Smith, managing director of Watlington Waterworks Mr.

Douglas Fetigan and matron of the Devonshire Rest Home and leader-in-charge of the local Boys Brigade Mrs. Helena Brice.

Also present was self-employed excavator Mr. Dennis Pamplin, who has promised to help build the playground.

"I am very pleased to help kids in the community,'' he said, appealing for others to throw their weight behind the project.

Committee president Mr. Simmons said features of the proposal included a small basketball court, a soccer pitch, and a picnic area.

He added his group had been hoping to get playground equipment left by American personnel at the US Base in St. David's.

But he understood the gear had been destroyed following a communications mix-up between Government departments.

This was later denied by a Government spokesman, who said the equipment had been reinstalled at a school site.

During yesterday's ceremony, Mr. Fetigan presented a $2,500 cheque to the Loyal Hill committee on behalf of his business.

The Loyal Hill committee also used the occasion to make a goodwill gesture.

They presented a $200 cheque -- proceeds from a barbecue -- to Mrs. Brice.