TEENAGERS and local residents are to be surveyed on proposals to make changes to a popular play area in Portishead. The survey, put together by town councillors, is to be circulated to around 250 homes in the Avon Way area following news that North Somers

TEENAGERS and local residents are to be surveyed on proposals to make changes to a popular play area in Portishead.The survey, put together by town councillors, is to be circulated to around 250 homes in the Avon Way area following news that North Somerset wants to change the play area there. The authority, which is understood to have earmarked nearly £50,000 for the improvements, is suggesting reducing the overall size of the football pitch by half, providing a dual goal and basket ball ring and cricket stump and installing viewing and seating facilities.But the news has been greeted with caution by local councillors who say they are unconvinced that the plans being put forward are the right ones for the area.Councillor Alan McMurray said: "We have already been out in the area and spoke to the local residents about this scheme and all wanted to see the area remain as it is now, but be upgraded."We also spoke to a lot of young people who said they did not want the size of the football pitch reduced."The area is used every day and the youngsters said that sometimes they play 14-a-side football matches, which is something they could not do if the size of the pitch was reduced."They would like to see money spent on upgrading the area and new goalposts installed and perhaps a basketball net put in."I do not see why the money can't be spent like this and any leftover funds ploughed into providing equipment on the site for younger children."The survey is starting to go out this week and councillors have agreed to wait for the results of the questionnaire before making any decision on the proposals.