A council has come under fire for taking away a Kings Worthy teenager's trampoline.

Less than two weeks before Christmas teenager Josie Dale, 13, from Kings Worthy is facing the prospect of Christmas without the trampoline after it was removed by Winchester City Council.

As reported in the Daily Echo in July, the city council have said the trampoline is in a communal area on Pound Road and it poses a safety risk as there is not enough space.

The news was a hammer blow to the Henry Beaufort pupil who is a member of Winchester Gymnastics Club member.

The 12ft by 12ft trampoline which was brought as a Christmas gift two-years-ago was removed by council officials.

Residents nearby supported Josie and 12 signed a petition calling for the council to change their mind.

It means that Josie will no longer be taking part in any gymnastics competitions as her mother Sharon Dale says she cannot afford it.

Josie's mother, Sharon Dale said:"It was a battle but the council do not care how a 13-year-old girl feels before Christmas.

"She is depressed, we battled so hard I was emailing to appeal against the judgement, the trampoline never caused anyone any problems so why is there a problem now."

The decision was blasted by Liberal Democrat county councillor Jackie Porter.

Cllr Porter said: "We are all very sad about the removal of Josie's trampoline- and think it's a rather heartless act just before Christmas.

It's been there for years- and no one has been hurt. The council could have safety checked it and agreed it was OK, but they didn't."

"Our appeal is- if anyone in the Worthys can lend Josie some space for her trampoline, or lend her a (safe) trampoline on which she can practice in their garden, please get in touch."

A statement by Winchester City Council said: "This issue first came to light in April 2016 when residents were asked to remove trampolines from communal gardens in Kings Worthy due to the health and safety concerns they represent in shared gardens which are open and accessible to all.

"Officers have been communicating with Cllr Porter and Ms Dale since this time.

"The City Council asked Ms Dale to remove the trampoline by the end of October and then extended this to the end of November.

" Ms Dale asked the Council to reconsider its decision.

"However, for all the reasons stated in previous communications, the Council has a duty of care in managing health and safety concerns in shared gardens."

The trampoline is now in council storage, if anyone wants to help they are urged to email jackie@jackieporter.co.uk