A ROW has erupted over plans to remove a play area from a private housing estate.

Local people are split into two camps, one claiming the area is a hive of anti-social behaviour and the other maintaining it is a vital play area for their children.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee has been asked to remove the play equipment that was put in place as part of an agreement with Yuills, the developers of Mickledales, in Redcar.

Since they were erected last year, a number of complaints have been made about anti-social behaviour, especially involving older children congregating at the area.

Council members agreed to visit the site during the early evening within the next fortnight to assess the level of problems.

Ward councillor Mike Findley said: "I think it is really important that members see for themselves what the residents have to put up with. I have been there a couple of times myself and there were drunken youths hanging around who were responding with abuse to people looking out of their windows at them."

The application to remove the equipment came after a consultation with residents, which resulted in 11 letters supporting the removal of the play area.

Among the complaints were that the area attracts older youths who intimidate and threaten local people, it attracts litter and graffiti, is too close to houses and encourages youths to play ball games, which results in damage to property.

On the other side of the fence, 77 letters were submitted to the planning committee, along with a petition of 90 signatures, opposing the removal.

Many residents said they had no knowledge of problems at the play area, they also said it is the only place in the area that is safe for use by young children.

A report by council officers stated: "Some residents have suggested that anti-social behaviour be dealt with rather than removing the play equipment.

It adds: "It is clear that the play area provides a valuable facility for local residents. While immediate residents have experienced problems and maintain that the play area is too close to their properties, there is no statutory requirement for play areas to be a specified distance from housing."

Members of the planning committee will make a decision at a meeting following the site visit.