A PLAY area in Colne which has been the subject of complaints and vandalism will close at the end of this month.

Owners, Eaves Brook Housing Association, decided that in view of the expenses of opening and closing the play area and the constant vandalism of the wire fence surrounding it, it would be better to close the area from November 30.

This will initially mean the removal of the wire netting and the marking and the installation of 'No Ball Games' signs.

In the longer term, Eaves Brook will continue to look at alternative uses for the site, including car parking, and is open to suggestions from residents and members of the Colne and District Committee.

Since the October meeting of the Committee, Eaves Brook has consulted with its tenants on the closure of the Cragg Street Play area.

Results of the consultation showed that of the 28 people that responded 13 of them wanted the area to remain open, 10 wanted it to close and five had no preference.

The site has been the subject of several meetings and residents living nearby have been complaining for several years about youths misusing it and kicking footballs over the high perimeter fence and damaging cars and property. They handed in a petition detailing problems to the Colne and District Committee earlier this year.

At last month's meeting members decided that enforcement action should be taken against the housing association for breach of planning conditions on the site.

Youngsters are getting in to the play area through a hole they have made in the fence and planning conditions stating that the area should be locked up and secure have been broken.

Councillor Gill Gilhespy, who has spoken out on behalf of the residents, said she was glad something may finally get sorted.