WORRIED councillors are calling on builders and local authorities to help sort out a “dangerous lake” which repeatedly takes over a play park during periods of heavy rain.

The lake forms regularly on the park on the Southfields Estate in Bedale, in the centre of a housing development built by Persimmon Homes 20-years-ago.

Thousands of pounds have been spent by the town council, which took on responsibility for the play area, over the past few years pumping out the lake.

Resident David Easton told a virtual meeting of the town council last week: “The big issue is the safety of kids playing in that water, we have to stop them.

“Persimmon knew they had problems, for them to say we are no longer liable for it, they should be held responsible and they should be made to do something about it.”

Persimmon said last week they sympathised but added: “This development was constructed more than 20-years-ago and unfortunately we do not bear responsibility for its current maintenance.”

Cllr John Howe said: “I think it is interesting for Persimmon to be saying 'it is nothing to do with us' as they have a planning application pending and not withstanding these go back some years, would they not consider getting together to resolve this?”

Resident Scott Hird told councillors: “I know Persimmon are saying it is nothing to do with them but now they are going through planning I don’t know why they wouldn’t want to keep the council on their side – you would think it would be good business for them.

“This has been happening a long time and now something needs to be done they should honour the customers that buy their buildings.”

Cllr Mike Barningham said the problems over flooding at Southfields had been investigated for several years and it seemed the drains disappeared or there was a blockage under gardens.

County councillor John Weighell said the problem could be a drain outflow into Bedale Beck and the Environment Agency may be able to help.

He added: “That is where I think we should be looking rather than in someone’s garden on the estate, it just won’t be able to get out.”

Members agreed to try and get all interested organisations together to discuss the best course of action to remedy the flooding.