By Paola Alvino STRONG objections to a play area being built in the middle of a new housing estate have been ignored.

Even though residents canvassed shortly after moving into the homes at Mort Lane, Tyldesley, voted almost unanimously against having a playground, the council's Strategy Committee on Monday gave it the green light.

Developers of the 47 homes, Wainhomes (Northern) Limited, will now pay the council a total of £25,924.28 to have the area adopted as an open space and maintained.

A report to the Planning and Development Committee in July 1999, after Wainhomes applied to have the requirement for a play area removed in response to residents' objections, pointed out: "It is an evolving policy of Leisure Services that rather than make a decision as to whether a particular area of open space has equipment on it, they prefer to wait until the estate is occupied, and then canvass the views of the Ward Members and new residents as to whether they want the play equipment.

"In this case they do not object to it being located elsewhere."

Of the 34 home owners who replied, 28 objected to the play area, five were indifferent and one resident wanted it.

Most thought the area would attract teenage yobs and vandals, much like other playgrounds situated in the middle of housing estates.

After the council refused to reject the requirement for a play area last year, the residents approached the Local Government Ombudsman. A petition was also presented to the council.

But councillors on the Strategy Committee decided to respond "by simply noting the views expressed" and retaining the play area.