IRATE residents have criticised councillors for ignoring their protests against playground plans.

Householders in Abbeydale Close, Church Langley, have fiercely opposed council proposals to build a playground outside their front doors.

But despite their verbal revolt against plans outlined at a recent consultation, residents claim their opinions have fallen on deaf ears.

One furious Abbeydale Close resident, Alison Dowton, said: "No-one is in favour of the play area, but it seems to be set in stone.

"The councillors have asked us for our opinions, but they are not listening -- they seem to have made up their minds already."

Mrs Dowton was one of several Abbeydale Close residents who attended the public consultation meeting to discuss the play area with ward councillors two weeks ago.

She claims that councillors seem "hell-bent" on sticking to the proposals to build the playground 20ft outside their front doors.

Referring to comments made by ward chairman John Sullivan, Mrs Dowton said: "He said they would put the playground in and deal with problems later."

Enraged by his remarks, she added: "Councillors are supposed to represent us. We don't want a play area outside our homes."

Supporting Abbeydale Close residents, Tory councillor Andrew Johnson said: "It does look as if councillors have already made up their minds, even though the playground is not wanted.

"They have got to start taking on board what residents want. I can't believe the council would impose something unwanted like that on Church Langley residents."

But Cllr Sullivan is adamant that councillors were "open to persuasion" and had invited residents to put forward their suggestions and ideas for alternative play area sites.

He said: "We were never hell-bent on any plan. What we need is suggestions from residents so we can solve this problem together.

"We need to make the best use of the money available, and the normal procedure is to put in play areas and sort out problems if they arise. But if there are alternatives, we can consider them."

Cllr Sullivan urged residents to make their suggestions at the Potter Street and Church Langley area committee meeting on Friday, September 4, where councillors will make their decision on the play area.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.