CONCERNED residents in Preanes Green say they object to proposals to situate a new play area off a busy road.

CONCERNED residents in Preanes Green say they object to proposals to situate a new play area off a busy’ road.

North Somerset Housing is planning on putting the equipment off Dartmouth Close but people living near the site say it would be dangerous if it was put there.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the area, John Pursey, who lives in Dowland, has collected 36 signatures on a petition, objecting to the proposed positioning of the new equipment.

Mr Pursey says it would be more suitable to put it on an area of grassland near Bideford Road.

He said: “North Somerset Housing is proposing to put it on a busy stretch.

“Although it wants to put railings in there would be nothing to stop kids going out into the road.

“The area close to Bideford Road would be more suitable as it is surrounded by footpaths.”

North Somerset Housing has been busy over the past few months consulting residents living within half a kilometre of the proposed site. More than 500 letters were sent out and phone calls and personal visits from North Somerset Housing staff were made to people who expressed concerns.

A spokesman said: “More than 100 people have supported the proposal and 36 individuals have expressed concern with the facility and its proposed location.

“North Somerset Housing is considering the views of those expressing concern, some of whom live outside the proposed site area, and have liaised with other agencies to try to address the issues already raised. We have responded to a request from the community for a play area at Preanes Green.

“I acknowledge that it will be difficult to please everyone with this type of proposal, and we will take account of peoples’ views as the project is considered further.

“The location of the play area has been given careful consideration, and North Somerset Housing does own the land where the play area could be sited. Funding for the facility has not yet been approved by the organisation, and an application for planning permission has not yet been made.”

Mr Pursey plans to present his petition to North Somerset Housing within the next week and hopes to set up a meeting with representatives from the company to discuss future plans.