by Martin Jefferies

Politics turned playful when a cabinet member visited Cliftonville just one week before voters head to the polls in the general election.

John Denham, the communities secretary, spoke to parents at the Viking-themed playground in Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville, which opened last April at a cost of £240,000.

Funded by the Margate Renewal Partnership and the Safer Stronger Communities Fund, the play area is the first of its kind in the area and provides much-needed leisure facilities for local children.

He was keen to hear about the local projects that aim to improve the quality of life for people living in Thanet.

Mr Denham said: "Playgrounds like this, which provide a good place for children to play, make a real difference to communities. They're part of our commitment to giving every child, from every background, a better start in life.

"What really changes places like Thanet is when local people, who know exactly what their area needs, work with a government that is prepared to say, 'we'll you help you do it'."

Mr Denham was in Cliftonville to support Labour's parliamentary candidate for South Thanet, Stephen Ladyman, who has been the local MP since 1997.

He was introduced to a number of residents, including 25-year-old Rachel Jordan (pictured right), who recently returned to Cliftonville from Gloucester.

She said: "The minister came across as quite down to earth. He was asking lots of questions and seemed interested in how things are locally.

"I discovered the Viking play area just before Christmas and my two-year-old son Henry loves it. It keeps him busy, fit and active."

Rebecca Rowden (pictured far right), also from Cliftonville, chatted with Mr Denham as she played with her seven-month-old daughter Daisy.

The 21-year-old said: "There's not much for the really young children to do although the Sure Start centre is excellent. The health visitors give really good advice and there's always people there to offer tips on parenting."

Dr Ladyman faces opposition from the Conservatives' Laura Sandys, the Liberal Democrats' Peter Bucklitsch and the UK Independence Party's Trevor Shonk when the polls open next Thursday (May 6).