A NEWPORT community is celebrating after receiving news that its keeping the summer play scheme.

Parents whose children attend the scheme at Newport East Community Centre in Moorland Park feared they could loss the “vital” service when the council announced it was to review the free provision across the city in a bid to save £103,000 in the 2011/12 budget.

Around 426 people signed a petition urging the council to continue subsidising the service on the estate, where many parents rely on free child care in the school holidays.

Now Cllr Mike Hamilton, cabinet member for continuing learning and leisure, reassured residents that he has ruled out any move to close the summer play scheme in Moorland Park and Broadmead Park.

Christine Protheroe, 39, whose children Corey, 11, and Ryan, seven, attend regularly, said: “It’s brilliant news, the children really need it in our area. Without it they would have nothing. It’s brought Ryan out of his shell and he loves going along.”

Denise, Suurhoff (CORR), 45, said: “I think it’s brilliant that we have got it for another year but if they take it off us again I will fight for it again.”

Lliswerry councillor Allan Morris described the decision as a “victory for common sense” saying such schemes play a huge role in combating anti social behaviour on the estate.

He said: “In some areas play schemes are a luxury, in areas like Moorland Park and Broadmead Park, they are absolutely essential. They are the difference between youngsters falling by the way side or staying out of trouble.”

A report on the outcome of the review, which looked at combining free summer play schemes for five to 12-year-olds with library and leisure activities where they currently overlap in the city, is currently being prepared.