A TEEN gymnast is set to lose her trampoline because the local council says it is unsafe.

Josie Dale, 13, has been doing gymnastics since the age of three but her mum says she will pull her out of competition if Winchester City Council removes the equipment in Pound Road, Kings Worthy.

The council believes it is unsafe and takes up too much space in the area's communal garden.

The move has upset dozens of local children, who have used it since it was installed six years ago.

Mum Sharon Dale said: “I will have to stop her taking part in competitions if she can’t use it, I am creating a safe environment for her to exercise, and you get told you can’t do this, it is just ridiculous.”

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Josie, a Henry Beaufort School pupil and member of Winchester Gymnastics Club, said: “I would be really upset if I can’t use it because it is a big part of my life and without it I won’t be able to do gym. We have made arrangements on how to keep it safe and I don’t see why there is a problem really.”

The council said it has received complaints of unauthorised use, dangerous wear and tear and possible misuse.

Maintenance crews are unable to get to the grass under the trampoline, officials added.

Josie and other users have offered compromises including putting a padlock on the zip to prevent others from using it, always having an adult around, and working together on grass maintenance.

Sharon bought the trampoline for the communal, council-owned area.

County councillor Jackie Porter is calling for the council to reconsider. She said: “The trampoline has been there for six years and Josie’s parents have taken all due safety measures, personally I think all reasonable care has been taken to make it safe.

“A lot of children need access to gardens and play space and a here the girl is a keen trampolinist and without the trampoline being there, it is going to make her mum’s job of keeping her interested in trampolining at a disadvantage.”

A city council spokesman said: “The letters sent to residents explain the reasons clearly. Officers have been in contact with Cllr Porter recently about this issue and she is aware of the council’s reasons.”