Anger as 'play' area is reduced

Residents have expressed anger at what they say is an "outrageous" plan to reduce the size of a patch of grass which children play on.

The decision by Harborough District Council to dig up and plant rose gardens on the small green in Somerby Road, Thurnby, was discussed at a meeting in the village last night.

Residents said the green was a designated play area and the council failed to consult them about the change last summer.

They said it should be returned it to its former state.

The council said the plot was not a play area and children should go to another site nearby if they wanted to play ball games.

Thurnby mum Debbie Bouvier said: "It's outrageous the council decided to take away an amenity for children without any consultation.

"It's ironic it is stopping children from playing sport and positive activities at a time when the Government is keen to encourage young people to be more active.

"The rose gardens which have been planted are now unkempt and an eyesore."

A spokesman for the council said: "This area is not a children's play area, it is an open space with trees and shrubs, close to houses.

"We received complaints from the residents that older children were playing ball games, such as football, on the area late at night. We put in shrubs and borders to break up the area.

"There is a facility for children to play football at Pulford Drive play area, including goalposts, which is not far away."