RESIDENTS in the Wood Park area of Ludgershall are up in arms over proposals to build seven properties on the only children’s play area in the vicinity.

They say that the plans by Sarson Housing/Aster Group will leave their children with nowhere to go to play that is safe without a long walk to the Recreation Ground.

John Yorkston, who has lived in the street since the houses were built 41 year ago, said that in the past there were roundabouts, swings, seats and small trees but these have gradually been taken away leaving a plain field.

He said: “It is the only area that they can play safely and despite the removal of the equipment many still do.

“Aster have upset many people as they only notified those in the immediate vicinity but a lot of kids from a much wider area like to play here and their parents were unaware of what was proposed.”

A planning application is yet to be submitted but it is in the pipeline.

A spokesman for Aster Group said: “This project isn’t about taking amenities away; it’s about answering the urgent need locally for high-quality new affordable homes and creating facilities which will make a real difference to the community.

“The site we’re proposing to redevelop is owned by us and is not a designated play area. However, we know how important it is for local children to have a safe outdoor space to play in, so we’re also planning to transform a disused piece of land close by in Coronation Road into a play area.”