RESIDENTS are opposing plans for a £50,000 playground because they fear it will attract vandals.

Plans have been submitted to build the play area in a playing field in St John’s Road, Colchester.

Robert Dunston, chairman of St John’s Residents’ Association, says the majority of residents are against the scheme.

He said: “There is the parking issue. It would be great for people who can walk to it, but what about the people who can’t?

“Then there are worries over vandalism.”

The proposal is for a playground measuring 15 metres by 25 metres, which would include swings, slides, rope mesh, climbing frames and a roundabout.

Mr Dunston said: “It would take up about an eighth of the playing field.

“It is already a great community facility and there are three other play areas within easy walking distance, not to mention High Woods Country Park.”

Paul Smith, who represents St John’s on Colchester Council, came up with the idea after noticing children from St John’s Church of England Primary School had nowhere to play before and after school.

He said: “It is something we have been running with for a while, to give the children somewhere to go when they are not in school.

“We have tried to get the residents involved as much as possible and it is really down to them.”

Nick Hutchings, headteacher at St John’s Church of England Primary School, in Clay Lane, backed the plans.

He said: “I think it’s a fabulous idea – the more outdoor areas for children to play in the better.

“We have some ideas of what we would be looking for and have been approached for our input, and our governing body has signalled what we would like to see.”

The playground would be funded from a grant from the Cory Environmental Trust, for which the residents’ association would have to apply.

Colchester Council has agreed to help make the application if residents want to pursue the project.