A Pembroke playground that has been closed down due to underfunding could be a candidate for joint Government and public sector money, a Minister said yesterday.

Youth Sport and Recreation Minister Tim Smith was reacting to the news that the Pembroke Parish council was forced to close the community playground on Parsons Road after they ran out of money used for its upkeep.

A formal complaint was lodged about the poor state of the equipment and bathrooms and the Health Department suggested that it should be closed until the money is found to fix it.

"Government, if you look at the east end, has gone in and put all kinds of nice equipment in all the playgrounds,'' Alpheaus Black, acting chairman of the Pembroke Parish council, said.

"So I would like to see Government do likewise for us.'' When contacted Mr. Smith said: "We're very concerned any time a playground facility is not being utilised to its full potential and especially one that is located in a prime location where there are a lot of young people.

"I am aware that the Pembroke Parish council has supported that play facility.

"So far I have received no representations for us to take it over but I think it may be a good candidate for both private and public funding and support.

"If I was approached I would be very happy to do that.''