PROTESTING residents have been given hope in their fight to stop the council building a toddlers' play area on their doorstep.

The residents of the exclusive Milestone Meadow estate in Euxton are determined to stop the proposed play area which has been paid for by developers Bryant homes and will be built by Chorley Borough Council.

Now a local councillor has said the council will look to see if the play area can be stopped.

Councillor Danny Gee, who represents Euxton North, said: "The council is to look at its policy again to see whether it is too harsh. I went round the houses there and did not meet one resident who wanted the play area.

"I am fighting for the residents. I cannot guarantee anything, but I am working in conjunction with council officers to see if the play area can be moved."

However, Alan Croston, the council's head of planning, confirmed: "There is no change in policy."

He added: "Once the new planning committee sits down I am sure this issue is one that gets discussed.

"The play area is and always has been part of the package. It is entirely typical to have play areas and an open space to serve the development."

The green area near the homes was designated as a play area in the council's master plan agreement in 1996.

Resident Tony Hoe, who bought his five bedroom house 18 months ago, organised a petition against the play area which was signed by 35 residents.

He said: "Most of the residents do not want the play area there.

"We fear it will become a focal point for vandals to hang out. All I am getting off the council is platitudes. They are not influenced by local residents' wishes."

The residents, who have paid upwards of £150,000 for their homes, believe the toddlers' play area should be placed with a children's play area and a scout hut which are 200 yards from the development.

A spokesman from Bryant Homes said: "Bryant has made a substantial donation to Chorley Borough Council for them to implement and maintain the public open spaces."