AN audit of play areas in Bidford by Stratford Council has shown the village to be badly lacking.

In January, councillors and Bidford Community Group members expressed concerns about the quantity and quality of play areas, which they felt were not keeping pace with new development.

An audit was carried out and the findings have shown Bidford and Broom fall well below the recommended provision of children's play areas.

Stratford District Local Plan, Policy REC 4, states: "The district planning authority will seek the provision of children's play in the Local Plan area to a standard of 0.8 hectares per 1,000 population."

But the audit revealed Bidford and Broom had a substantial shortfall, with just one-fifth of the ideal level.

The Avon area committee has now recommended that playing space is provided within new developments and proposals should be drawn up to provide play equipment in the public space at Marleigh Road.

It was also recommended the parish council be invited to take the lead in identifying and promoting any sites which had potential to become play areas.

Parish councillor and community group chairwoman Rowenna Irving said: "This is great news.

"The district council is realising the problem that exists in Bidford.

"The figures show that play areas are really lacking and it is now up to the community to pull together to support the powers that be in acting to rectify this problem.

"Ever since I've been involved in community life here, I've wondered why these issues have not been dealt with.

"When planning new developments, provision needs to be made."