Controversial youth facilities put on hold

11:45am Thursday 1st May 2008

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PLANNED youth facilities for the land to the rear of the fire station in Bidford have been put on hold, it emerged at a parish council meeting on Monday.

The area, which has been at the centre of debate for the last month following the erection of a Devil Island Swing, will not be developed further for the time being while the council seeks retrospective planning permission from Stratford District Council.

A graffiti wall had been planned to go up on the land but in a turn around of events, the council has now scrapped the idea. Councillor John Sandle proposed the move after voicing concerns about the dangers of youngsters handling spray paint and the temptation to graffiti people's properties.

A risk assessment was carried out on the land last week by PC Tony Lambert, a community safety officer, and parish clerk Elisabeth Uggerloese following residents' concerns about the fencing and flooring.

Chairman Joy Keeley said: "The fencing is insufficient as it is rotten in places. The parish council is in communication with Warwickshire County Council on how best to improve this."

It was agreed at the meeting that the play area will become an alcohol-free zone and would be open from 8am to 10pm in the summer and 8am to 8pm in the winter, subject to planning approval.

Villagers living near the area said they were pleased the council had listened to their concerns, but there are still several objections to turning the land into a play area for under-18s.

Duncan Hodkins, of Marleigh Road, and a member of the newly-formed residents' group, said: "We are pleased the graffiti wall has been scrapped and it is clear the council has listened to certain things but there are still concerns about how close the area is to residential housing and amenities.

"We intend to object quite forcefully to the planning application."

Mrs Uggerloese added: "It is very much a interim assessment. A proper inspection of the play area does take place after installation is finalised by an independent assessor."