£420,000 for a 'women's park' in the war zone... funded by British taxpayers

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The three-acre "women's park" in Lashkar Gah, Helmand, is in the middle of an area known more for explosions and kidnappings than the sound of children at play. Locals are mystified why money has been spent on a recreational facility when the security situation continues to deteriorate.

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Park strife: The locals at Lashkar Gah are wary of the Taliban

On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed six people at a mosque in the town, including the deputy governor of the province.

The park was built for £420,000 by the UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team, which has been given £9million by the British Government to spend on "quick-impact projects" in Helmand.

Its lawns - which feature picnic areas and children's play facilities including a full-size ferris wheel - are laid out by the Helmand river, but on the side menaced by the Taliban.

The area on the outskirts of the town is regarded as off-limits by many residents. As a rich opium-harvesting spot, it is subject to power struggles and the main road is frequently hit by explosions.

And, despite its name, the park is not a favourite with women from the largely Pashtun local population who are expected to stay at home.

Tory frontbencher Tobias Ellwood, who has served in Bosnia with the Royal Green Jackets, criticised the development.

He said: "Is this park a priority for a province which produces half the world's opium supply and has no recognised rule of law, poor irrigation systems, few metalled roads and unemployment at over 70 per cent?"

Locals also questioned the wisdom of building the park. "Mines will be laid in the park. That will keep people from going there," said Gul Mohammad, a farmer, while Amir Mohammad added: "We should first worry about peace and security. Then we can have parks."

A spokesman for the Department for International Development said: "The park is providing much needed recreational space and facilities.

"It is popular and is in constant use, with children using it every day after school."