COMPLAINTS about anti-social behaviour at a play area will be put to residents before of a debate over whether it should be sold off.

A number of residents have been calling on Malvern Town Council since November to close the Avon Close recreation area, saying it is used by youths who are making their lives a misery.

One 76-year-old told the council meeting last Thursday (January 10) that as well as having youths climbing over her property and setting fires, she had recently received a threatening letter demanding money with a threat to "make my life hell".

Others recounted tales of noise late into the night and children hiding in the park playing truant from school.

However, another group at the meeting defended the facility, saying it was a valuable community resource.

Karol Carry, of Wykewane, said that despite the fact her house backs on to the park and her back fence is frequently used as a goal, she has never had a problem with the youngsters.

"Ninety-five per cent of the time it's used by people who would not be able to get to another play area," she said.

A questionnaire is to be circulated to surrounding streets by ward councillors asking about the usage of the play area and whether it causes a nuisance.

The consultation will be completed by February 9, and on February 28 the council will consider a motion tabled by Coun Keith Phillips that the park should be sold off and used for a development such as houses.

Coun Pat Mewton opposed the tabling of the motion, saying that he also had to live with delinquency, but that all the parks in Malvern suffer from it and closing them was not the answer.