A PLAY area has been reduced to rubble by the council despite the fact a new one won't be built until the spring, claims a resident.

Jim Clarke, of Upper Field Close, Church Hill has labelled the removal of facilities at Upper Field Close as 'nothing short of wanton destruction and vandalism.'

Mr Clarke wrote to Redditch councillor Diane Thomas, MP Jacqui Smith and the council itself telling them of his concerns.

Residents are due to be consulted within the next few months on the upgrade of the play area, which forms part of the £2 million revamp of play areas across the borough.