PLANS to revamp playgrounds across Winchester could be halted if the near £340,000 funding shortfall cannot be met, a meeting heard.

The city council’s cabinet discussed the new five-year plan would see nine play areas refurbished, costing almost £500,000. It was put forward at the town forum earlier this month.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, portfolio holder for environment, health and wellbeing, said four of the five years in the plan “cannot be committed until funding has been received”.

The first year (2015-2016) will see makeovers at Stanmore recreation ground (£16,000), Somers Close skate park in Stanmore (£80,000), an outdoor gym in Stanmore (£20,000) and North Walls bowling green (£20,000).

The cabinet heard that whilst there is enough funding for those refurbishments, there is currently a £336,000 shortfall for play areas at North Walls, Winnall Manor Road, Marnhull Rise, Gordon Avenue and Teg Down Meads.

It means they may not be revamped as planned between 2016 and 2020.

Cllr Stallard asked if the town forum could consider increasing council tax by 1.9 per cent to cover it, but corporate director Steve Tilbury said that was not possible.

He said the forum is between a “rock and a hard place” because it cannot control its precept independently of the council. He added that an increase in council tax would have to be across the whole district, which he said would be unfair given that it would be to support a city centre specific scheme.

Mr Tilbury also explained that due to cut backs from central government, there is less funding available for such projects.

Cllr Stallard said: “I’m very concerned that it has got to this stage before coming before cabinet because you are talking about a significant shortfall.”

She suggested that the town forum reports to cabinet in six months time, detailing plans to secure funding.

The cabinet unanimously agreed, as well as approving the £120,000 for 2015-2016 refurbishments.