Play area proves 'a nuisance' (From Stroud News and Journal)

Play area proves 'a nuisance'

RESIDENTS have described a new play area in Minchinhampton as looking like an oil refinery - and say the noise is ruining the lighter evenings.

Householders in Summersfield Road say children using the nearby Brad's Play Area are a nuisance and fear problems will get worse over the Easter holidays.

Since the clocks went forward, residents say balls are continuously kicked into their gardens and the noise means they dont want to sit outside.

John and Pam Hutchinson were so sick of their privacy being ruined they complained to the parish council, which installed the play area earlier this year.

They say other residents are also fed up of the situation.

Mr Hutchinson, 81, said: "It is so noisy in the evenings especially if we want to sit in the garden.

"We have no privacy now and it will just get worse during Easter and the summer holidays.

"This was a stupid idea in the first place and we do not blame the kids we blame the council for building it next to lots of houses owned by elderly people."

The couple also say the playground spoils the appearance of the area. "I am sure I speak for all the neighbours when I say it looks like an oil refinery," said Mr Hutchinson.

Parish councillors have visited residents to discuss their concerns.

Gates to the playground will be closed on Sunday afternoons as a trial during Easter and netting could be laid around the goal areas.

The parish council considered putting a net over the area but concluded it would be dangerous because children could climb up and fall.

Eilish Cope, chairman of Minchinhampton Parish Council, is looking into the problems.

She said: "We have taken the concerns of the residents on board and are working with them to make sure they are as inconvenienced as possible.

"We want the playground to be a success and we would rather the kids be here then hanging around the streets."

The play area was built in memory of community stalwart Bradley Stephens, who died three years ago at the age of 60.