Elderly residents are angry that a new children's play area has been built just feet from the back of their homes without any consultation.

The play area is aimed at toddlers and has been built at Crossways, Jaywick, by Surestart.

But the residents are concerned about noise, the loss of privacy and older children gathering at the site - which is not officially opened until tomorrow.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said the play area was right outside her back door.

"The noise levels are terrible already and the bad language is disgusting," she said.

The resident said the first she knew about the scheme was when the work started and there have been problems ever since.

Residents have taken the matter up with Tendring councillor Roy Smith, who has promsied to look into the situation.

He said facilities for children were needed and were welcome but should be put in the right areas where they will not disturb others.

Benjamin Mann, project team leader at Surestart, said the £40,000 play area was designed for toddlers and was done in partnership with Tendring Council.

"We did consult with parents in the area about what they wanted and this was the only possible site for the scheme to go ahead," he said.

He agreed that gardens back on to the park but added it has always been a recreation area and he could not see how the new equipment could have made a great difference

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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