'Children in jeopardy

at Link danger stream'

A Malvern Link stream, filled with broken glass and litter, has been branded 'a disgrace' by nearby residents who fear children playing there could have a serious accident.

Now they desperately want someone to take responsibility for the stream, which runs behind Alexander Gardens, and quickly clean it up before it's too late.

But both Worcestershire County Council and Festival Housing deny responsibility.

The county council says it is only in charge of the part of the stream which runs alongside Worcester Road.

Mike Davies, of the county highways partnership, claims the Festival Housing Group has responsibility for the part behind Alexander Gardens.

But Festival Housing denies having any responsibility for the stream.

Clare Huyton, executive director of the group, explained: "We bought the land from the district council and to my knowledge, the contract does not include responsibility for the stream."

As a result of the confusion, the problem is not being resolved.

Betty Turner, 86, who has lived in Alexander Gardens for the last four years, said: "It's a disgrace. Everything's overgrown and there is rubbish everywhere. We do not know who to turn to."

Her 87-year-old neighbour, George Waldwyn, agreed: "It's terribly dangerous and I think it's disgusting. Why has nothing been done?"

A traffic cone and an old trolley were removed from the stream last weekend by Malvern Hills District Coun-cil as 'a goodwill gesture', but nothing has been done about the broken glass, litter and overgrown branches.

Mrs Turner is concerned that youngsters who play there will be injured.

She said: "It needs clearing up before there is a serious accident."