RESIDENTS on a Hagley estate are calling for plans for a children's play area on a "dangerous" site next to a deep drainage ditch to be scrapped.

People living on the Wychbury Fields estate want developer CALA Homes to drop its bid to build the play area on a narrow strip of grass in between a busy path and a deep soak-away gully.

They say if it goes ahead on the proposed spot opposite Dwyer Close, the developer will be putting children in danger and are being backed by councillor Rachel Jenkins.

The residents have commissioned their own report by RoSPA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - which supports their concerns, saying there is a "significant risk of injury."

The report states: "The space is narrow and has a steep-sided and rock strewn drainage channel to its immediate side.

"The space is not wide enough for the provision of an effective children's playground. There is a risk to users who may tumble down into the drainage channel."

It goes on to say the path is used by "mechanically propelled vehicles and scooters" and "the space proposed for the playground is so narrow that overspill onto the pathway is inevitable, with a significant risk of injury."

The saga has been running on for years, with CALA having been granted planning permission for the playground by Bromsgrove District Council.

A petition has been started by residents.

Maggie Clement, of Dwyer Close, said: "It's like a David and Goliath battle.

"I feel strongly that Cala are prepared to put ticking boxes to get the estate signed off by Bromsgrove District Council over children’s safety."

The 71-year-old said there is already a playground on the Wychbury Lawns estate, which joins onto Wychbury Fields, which is waterlogged making it unusable.

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She said: "Instead of building this new play area, which can't be used, why don't they make the existing play are suitable for use?"

Councillor Rachel Jenkins, who represents Hagley East on Bromsgrove District Council, said: "It's a ridiculous place to put a children's play area.

"There's a massive ditch - it's really dangerous and totally unsuitable."

The independent councillor said she has contacted the council leader Karen May and suggested that CALA make a contribution towards improving facilities on the playing field on Worcester Road, Hagley, as there is no other suitable site on the CALA development.

She said CALA should also make the existing waterlogged play area suitable for use.

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A spokesman for Cala Homes said: "Delivering play areas for children to enjoy on our developments is really important to us at CALA, and it’s crucial that we locate these in safe and appropriate places.

"As a result of unanticipated conditions found when constructing the site, we have had to conduct surveys to establish if the play area can be accommodated in the location approved by the Local Planning Authority – the results are currently being reviewed.

"We continue to work closely with the council, and residents, and we are committed to getting the works completed as soon as practicable."

Bromsgrove District Council has been contacted for comment.