A GROUP of angry Malvern Wells residents say they will continue to fight plans for a hard surface play area on the Assarts Lane playing field.

Fearful the area would attract skateboarders and lead to noise and vandalism, more than 40 people attended an extraordinary meeting of the parish council.

They were hoping to see the proposals scrapped altogether. Instead, the council opted to drop the plans in their present form but not to rule out a new facility completely.

Councillors plan to look at the current play facilities in the parish and set up a committee to establish whether or not there is a need for a multi- purpose hard surface play area.

The committee would include interested parties, such councillors, local residents and representatives from local schools and youth groups.

"The meeting left us in a state of shock," said Lynne Fox, who lives near the playing field. "There is so much strong feeling against the plans we can't believe they're still considering it and that it could still go ahead."

She said the whole issue was causing a lot of worry and anxiety to people who lived nearby.

"Parish councillors tell us the needs of the whole parish have to be considered, not just the views of people on Assarts Lane. But we're the ones who will be affected. This is very important to us and the fight will go on," said Mrs Fox.

Council chairman Jan Bowden said the aim of the committee would be to find out what, if any, new play facilities were needed and to find a solution the majority of people were happy with.

"We need interest and input from local people not just on this but on other parish council issues. We need people to talk to us and I hope we've reassured people," she said.