A CHILDREN'S play area which has become a magnet for vandals is poised to be dismantled.

But a local Bury councillor has expressed concern that toddlers will be penalised because of the actions of a group of "yobbos."

Councillor Dot Cassidy's comments come after she and Councillor Mike Connolly met residents living on the Hillside, Limefield, private housing estate on Saturday (March 3).

Householders claim the area has become a target for young vandals and troublemakers who congregate around the play area in Spruce Crescent.

The play equipment has already been vandalised by the teenagers who also drink, shout, swear and throw stones at nearby properties.

Residents have demanded the play area be closed and a second footpath leading on to the estate be shut. Mr Ted Ingham, who lives on Spruce Crescent, said: "At the meeting, the councillors realised there was a problem and said they'd try to rectify it.

"The residents here want the removal of the play area completely, plus the closure of a second entrance or footpath on to the housing estate."

Residents presented both councillors with a 50-signature petition to back up their demands.

Mr Ingham added: "The councillors said they would look at the legalities surrounding the closure of the footpath and the play area.

"The play equipment won't be sited elsewhere. Instead, local children can use Clarence Park which is just five minutes away."

Commenting on the weekend meeting, which was attended by up to 40 residents, Mr Ingham continued: "We did get a favourable response."

Coun Cassidy, who represents the Moorside ward, said the responsibility for shutting the footpath and play area lay with the estate's landlords, Westbury Developments.

"It's just so upsetting to get rid of the children's play area because of the actions of a few yobs.

"I don't actually agree with this myself. But it's the only thing we can do for the residents under the circumstances."

On the possible footpath closure, Coun Cassidy went on: "We will be speaking to our highways department about the prospect of shutting one end of it off. But we don't think it will be a problem."