BEWDLEY has stepped up its battle to persuade Wyre Forest District Council to take responsibility for maintaining the district's play areas.

A motion proposed by Bewdley Town Council - stating any authority that has passed its housing stock onto a housing company still has a duty to maintain play areas - has been accepted by the Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils.

Wyre Forest Community Housing insists it is under no obligation to maintain play equipment while the district council says it is no longer responsible.

Councillor John Iles said on Monday: "At the time of the transfer the housing company had to submit a 30-year business plan. It would not have been difficult to ensure play equipment be maintained - why was this not insisted upon?

"We should recommend that all play areas be transferred back to Wyre Forest District Council."