WE are writing to protest about the loss of a safe play area adjacent to our houses on Ox Hey, Clayton-le-Moors. Our families moved here 10 years ago and have used this area since we were toddlers.

Unfortunately, some residents have complained about us playing ball games as sometimes the ball accidentally goes into their garden.

In autumn, 1996, a questionnaire was sent to every house on the street concerning this matter. We have now been notified that, due to a 'majority decision,' the field is to be divided up by the planting of trees and bushes, thus stopping us using the area for ball games.

It seems a pity that when we are using our time usefully and enjoying sport in a safe area, this right has been taken away from us.

Perhaps the council will be as quick to take action to stop the other 'nuisance' - dog fouling.

ROBERT HATCH, 13, PATRICK, 11 and RICHARD SWANNEY, 14, Ox Hey, Clayton-le-Moors.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.