An Orpington schoolgirl has written a letter of complaint after housing block managers banned children from climbing trees.

Abigail Early was outraged when her mum Joanne received a letter asking parents to stop kids clambering on trees and shrubs on the Crofton Place Estate.

The nine year old decided to write a response to defend her and her friends.

News Shopper:

She wrote: "My name is Abigail and I am 9 years old.  I play out with my friends nearly every day. You said children were not allowed to climb trees anymore. I would like to point out a few facts.

"1. I play really nicely and use the trees as a camp. I don’t tear off branches or leaves.

"2. Sometimes I play hide and seek in the trees.

"3. My mum said its right not to play ball games as we may smash a window so I never play ball games.

"However, I am part of a lovely and respectful bunch of kids and who love climbing trees because we love our friends and exercise."

Abigail asked the management to provide the numbers of complaints they received in relation to tree damage.

Her letter continued: " I would like to continue playing in the trees therefore please could you supply the following information, no excuses or buts.

"1. Total number of residents who have complained about us.

"2. Estimated cost of tree damage

"3. Report from tree expert who says that kids climbing trees causes damage

"4. Details of new designated play area near my house to play camps and hide and seek already funded by our parents who pay for the trees and grass.

"Children have rights too and I look forward to your reply."

The original letter sent by the block management team to parents on the estate said that trees and plants had been damaged by children.

The letter said: "We would kindly like to request, should you have children living with you on the Crofton Place Estate, that you do not allow this to climb on any of the trees and large shrubs located around the communal grounds.

"Several trees are being destroyed because some parents are allowing their children to play on them, this is having a detrimental affect on the communal gardens and the general well being of the estate grounds.

"We do not wish to stop children on the estate having fun and playing games, although ball games are not permitted on the grassed areas of the estate grounds, but equally we do not want for the trees and shrubs to be damaged in this manner and for extra expenditure to be sent to replace and replant these."

News Shopper has contacted the management for further comment.