The health and safety of the park is being neglected Trevor Shaftoe

More than 500 names have been collected for a petition in support of the recreation area in Castle Park.

Trevor Shaftoe and about a dozen other parents will hold the demonstration there on 26 November.

Ceredigion Council said it did not want to close any of its play areas, adding that it hoped money could be found to support playgrounds.

Mr Shaftoe, 22, from Aberystwyth, claimed some equipment needed replacing and health and safety was "being neglected".

He visits the park with his 22-month-old son, Jamie, and claimed money was not available to maintain the playground or to replace old equipment, even though it was increasingly popular. .

In a letter from the council last month which was passed to the BBC news website, council parks and gardens officer Peter Matthys said the "design and condition of the individual items could be considered as a contributory factor to any accident on site in the event of a claim".

Mr Matthys added that alternative plans to replace the existing equipment had been considered.

Protesters say parts of the playground need replacing

He said: "However, without the availability of suitable funding to allow this work to proceed or sufficient funding to ensure the necessary ongoing repair and maintenance works to this site or the other play areas in the council's care, play items throughout the county may have to be closed off or removed to ensure public safety."

In a statement, the council said work was required at a number of its play areas.

"The council does not wish to close any of its play areas, however work is required at a number of these throughout the county," said a spokeswoman.

"It is hoped that suitable revenue and capital funding can be found to support these amenities, which are highly appreciated both by visitors and residents and their children."

She added that town and community councils were being consulted about a "programme of work" at play areas over coming years.