NEIGHBOURS living near a children's play area, closed for two years because it is too close to a canal, are backing plans to turn it into a garden.

People living in Melfort Close, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, said the play area was now being used as a meeting place for youths who regularly cause trouble.

They are supporting a planning application submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council by resident Michael Hawkins, who wants to extend his garden on to the site.

But the council could be powerless to approve the scheme as the land is owned by housing developer Redrow Homes, who had to provide the facility in their original plans for the estate.

The playground was branded a danger by safety inspectors who said it breached guidelines because of its proximity to the Leeds and Liverpool canal. It has never been open for children to use.

A spokesman for Redrow Homes today said they were unaware of the application but agreed the situation needed to be resolved.

He said: "Our understanding of the current situation is that we are waiting for the council to decide what should be done."

Mr Hawkins applied for full planning permission in October.

Coun Alan Cottam, who was involved in the original stages of planning the estate, said the play area cannot be removed until all the residents are in agreement.

All 15 families in Melfort Close have now sent a petition to the council demanding it be removed.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I am happy for the land to be taken over by Michael. We are all so sick of the argument of who is going to do something about it.

"He is not doing this for any financial gain but because something has to be done to stop the youths going mad."

Linda Bright, an agent for Redrow Homes, added: "As far as I am aware, Redrow is waiting for the council to decide where they want the play equipment moving to."

Coun Edward Harrison, whose Meadowhead ward includes Melfort Close, said: "If planning permission is granted for the resident that can only be a good thing."

The nearest alternative play area for toddlers at present is the Community Centre on Green Lane.

Mr Hawkins has been unavailable for comment but full details of the planning application are available at Blackburn Town Hall and open to inspection until March 4.

The date for a review of the planning application and the petition by the planning and highways committee has yet to be confirmed.