WE don't want a teenage play area near our homes.That was the message today from residents against proposals to turn Bramford Lane allotment field into a public open space.

WE don't want a teenage play area near our homes.

That was the message today from residents against proposals to turn Bramford Lane allotment field into a public open space.

About 20 Marlow Road householders petitioned Ipswich Council voicing their concerns about the £175,000 scheme.

The petition objected to an entrance earmarked for Marlow Road, low fencing and the site of a teenage facility near their homes.

But although the council has taken these views into account, those living nearby are still worried that the open space will go ahead.

A 38-year-old mother of two from Marlow Road, who asked not to be named, said: "We just don't want it.

"Obviously children have got to go somewhere.

"But there are two parks in the area so why doesn't the council put new equipment on the parks to create more of a place to go which is away from the residents?"

She said householders have had stones thrown at their windows by teenagers.

Residents nearby are worried if the open space does get the green light, it will create more problems.

Bramford Lane allotment field is made up of two fields: one is only half used by allotment holders and the other is a quarter used.

It is proposed to create an open space on part of the allotment site to include a children's play area and teenage play area.

After consulting with residents at Westbourne High and Whitehouse Junior School, Ipswich Council incorporated some of the comments into the draft plan.

The changes made to the draft plan include: moving the teenage play area further away from residents' houses, having a higher fence surrounding it and removing the Marlow Road entrance.

nWhat do you think? Do you think the allotments should made into a play area or do you think it could cause more trouble? Send your views to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP1 4AN.