A WYTHALL parish councillor has expressed fears that dedicating land in a former nature park to youth activities would be a "recipe for disaster".

In a report circulated at a recent parish council meeting, Councillor Ken Footman warned against using the area left over from a new doctors' surgery in Beaudesert Nature Park to accommodate youngsters.

He said: "The site has become really problematic with high levels of antisocial behaviour, resulting in extensive damage and costs."

Planning permission has been granted to build the surgery on the site of the nature park but council chiefs are still in discussion with Wythall Parish Council and the surgery's developers over how to use remaining land.

Beaudesert Nature Park, which is owned by Bromsgrove Council and leased to Wythall Parish Council, was developed from wasteland in 1984 to provide an amenity for residents to appreciate wildlife.

But Mr Footman said the site had deteriorated in recent years, suffering problems that had resulted in "unacceptable levels of complaints from local residents".

He added: "Any proposal to encourage youth activities in this area is a recipe for disaster which would result in grief for local residents and such proposals should be resisted at all costs by the parish council."

Bromsgrove Council recreation and tourism officer Rob Heard said discussions were in process and a decision was yet to be made about the site surrounding the new practice.

But he added: "We are aware the area is a very valuable open space and whatever we decide, we will ensure any wildlife is protected and it will be a space people can enjoy."