Kids locked out of new play area

The enclosure, promised as part of a new housing development in Stourport, has yet to open, despite being completed last October.

Housing bosses said it must stay shut because of safety concerns but residents said eight months has already been long enough.

Angry homeowner, John McGann, said children were being denied access to a vital asset for the community, at the bottom of Britannia Gardens.

He added: "Now it is getting light during the evenings, the bigger children climb over the gates and get inside. The children up to six years old can never get in there. They just stand around at night looking into the play area.

"They have nowhere to play at the moment. They play in the road because there is nowhere else to go."

Residents have been in discussions with developer, George Wimpey, over the delay but Mr McGann said the firm "keep saying it is in hand but nothing ever happens".

The housing development, off the A4025 Worcester Road near the town centre, was started by housing firm, McAlpine, which has since been taken over by George Wimpey.

The play area was included in the development.

A spokesman for George Wimpey West Midlands said: "Access from the highway to the play area is deemed not to be safe enough yet, so measures are in place that will rectify that issue before it is opened up to the general public.

"Additionally, fencing is to be provided that will prevent unwanted access by local motorbikes and quadbikes to the rest of the open space. This will also prevent unsupervised youngsters having proximity to the deep pond waters on site whilst accessing the play area.

"Local residents have been informed of developments on a regular basis and are fully aware of the situation."

The enclosure must, however, open now that the summer was here, Mr McGann urged.

"There are all sorts of things in the play area that the kids would love to play with but just cannot," said the 68-year-old.

"They have to finish it."