FEARS over the heavy cost of maintaining a children's playground on a new residential development in Tenbury Wells have forced town councillors to think again.

Leominster-based building contractors J Harper & Sons Ltd want the town council to permanently maintain the site for a one-off payment of £10,000.

But after having second thoughts councillors have rejected the offer.

Earlier this year the matter was discussed at length and agreement was reached in principle to take on the children's playground.

However, following the May elections, new councillors wanted the matter raised again after a petition from 24 residents claimed the playground was not necessary and it should be closed.

Other residents on the estate take the opposite view, believing that if children have nowhere to play they will use the streets and bring the area down.

In October, the situation was re-considered by full council after Councillor Phillip Grove forecast a "black hole" in the council's budget.

"Maintaining the playground ad infinitum for £10,000 would be foolish to say the least," he said. "Ongoing costs will inevitably rise and before we know it we could be committing ourselves to a six figure sum in perpetuity, and where would we find that?"

Calling for a site visit, Councillor Diann Dowell, supported by Councillor Steve Bowkett, said: "We already have a playground in Tenbury that is barely adequate and almost unsafe which needs money spent on it. To blindly take on another is not on.

"This is a matter for the planning officers and the contractor, not us."

Malvern Hills District Council planning officer Chris Wood commented: "In keeping with other authorities, when we consider planning developments on this scale we always hope to secure 'open space', to which the developer must adhere, otherwise it could be enforced."

J Harper & Sons declined to comment.