I WRITE regarding a number of complaints I have received concerning the allotments in Sillins Avenue.

The allotments are an absolute disgrace.

They have become a dumping ground for rubbish and residents are living in fear because young children are setting fire there almost on a daily basis.

The allotments have become overgrown and neglected and I call on Redditch Council to clear the rubbish before there is an infestation of rats.

I would also like to warn parents in Lakeside about a syringe that a resident recently found at the recreation ground.

Residents were informed via the local press that the drug problem was to be stamped out and the play area upgraded.

Councillors were quoted as saying: 'This will be the best thing to happen to the rec for years and we are so enthusiastic and confident it will happen.'

That was over two years ago and still nothing has been done.

I call on the police to increase patrols in Lakeside as vandalism is beginning to spiral out of control.

It's time the council started to tackle the problems rather than ignore them, which is happening at the moment.

Simon Preston

Nairn Close

Winyates