RESIDENTS in Eynesbury claim anti-social behaviour taking place at a new adventure play area outside their homes is making their lives unbearable. They say youths have banged on doors, thrown stones, snow, and eggs at houses and on one occasion set fire t

RESIDENTS in Eynesbury claim anti-social behaviour taking place at a new adventure play area outside their homes is making their lives unbearable.

They say youths have banged on doors, thrown stones, snow, and eggs at houses and on one occasion set fire to tyres in the play area in Chapman Way, Eynesbury Manor.

Police have been called and residents have complained to Huntingdonshire District Council, but now residents are demanding the area is redesigned.

Brian Brown, 69, who lives in front of the play area, said: "This type of behaviour is common these days, but it is still frightening. You never get any rest.

"It's a nightmare. We don't want to go home. We are being forced out of our home because of this".

HDC, which built the play area last November, is talking with residents about its future and last week removed four pieces of play equipment.

The council has given residents two alternatives: Condense the play equipment it into a fenced area or will leave it as it is.

A council spokesman said: "Once the consultation period has finished the council plans to provide appropriate play facilities in the area, while incorporating the views and general consensus of the local residents."

However, the people living directly near the play area are concerned that the consultation will be influenced by people living further away.

Nick Baugh, who lives opposite the area, with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, said: "If I didn't live where I live I would tick option B because I wouldn't know what the problem is.

"What I don't want is for it to disappear completely but I don't want it outside my house with the anti-social behaviour and everything else."

Mr Brown added: "It's been dumped outside our house with no defensible space and we are exposed to the behaviour problems in the evenings."

Cllr Andrew Gilbert, who represents the St Neots and Eynesbury ward at HDC, said the situation had been badly handled by the council, residents had been affected and a lot of money had been wasted.

"I want some equipment to be there but it has to meet the formal guidance and be finished off properly," he said, "I think the council is going to have to find a compromise. We have to find a way to make it work for everyone and hopefully that is achievable."

A police spokesman said they were working with other groups to tackle the issues.

INFORMATION: Meetings between residents and HDC will take place on Thursday, April 23 from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday April 25 from 10am to 1pm at the concrete hardstand on Chapman Way.