It was also revealed that Peterborough City Council had received £1.1million from the government to open 21 play areas across the city over three years, as well as an adventure playground in Bretton.

But when the debate about how to improve the service was opened up, it was councillor Frances Benton's suggestion for an animal-filled haven for children which captured the imagination.

Now, there may be moves to work with the New Ark Adventure Playground, in Hill Close, Newark, Peterborough – which offers a farm and a host of other activities to members – to help the facility reach out to more children.

Speaking at the children and lifelong scrutiny panel meeting at the town hall, Cllr Benton said: "We need something more organised and also educational.

"A city farm is one idea. I know we have New Ark, but it is a charity and nursery, not a city farm where people can go to help care for animals.

"Painting a gate and stroking an animal is very good for them. Children need to feel valued.

"We need to go back to nature rather than having fantastic play things."

Committee chairman Cllr Irene Walsh agreed, calling the idea "truly visionary".

Head of the children and families service Chris Fisher said: "Maybe we can build on New Ark, we are probably 50 per cent there."

Today, manager of New Ark Paul Gallagher said he would be delighted to be part of any future plans.

He said: "It is a brilliant idea and I feel honoured that we were mentioned.

"We are open to any suggestions.

"We have been here as a little oasis for years and have been preaching about the benefits and for it to come back into mode is great."

The city council has warned it may close eight play centres as it reviews the future of play centre provision in the city.

Mr Fisher alluded to this in the meeting, saying "change was always difficult" but necessary to provide a fair service.

He said: "We are doing brilliantly is some places, with a Rolls Royce service, but in other places, it is a Morris Minor and in others, a bike with a flat tyre.

"It is not consistent.

"Change is always difficult. What we are suggesting is change, but in a fair and objective way.

"Clearly, we don't want to ruin things that are excellent. We have to think how we can build on that, rather than close things down.

"So those who get a Rolls Royce service six days a week may not get that in the future. We are trying to be fair to everybody in the authority."

Meanwhile, the new director of children's services John Richards promised that the department would move out of a turbulent period.

He said: "I acknowledge children's services has been through a very difficult time, with results, finance, performance and staffing.

"But I'm pretty sure we are moving from the shadows to the light.

"I have a very strong set of values and the main one is keeping children at the heart of everything we do."