PENSIONERS' appeals for a play area outside their Trowbridge homes to be taken out have been turned down.

Elderly people living on the new Brewery Walk estate claimed the children's play area was being used as a "yobbo's retreat" and demanded it be taken out by West Wiltshire District Council.

One told last Thursday's central area committee: "The play area is an eyesore and is unacceptable because it is near our houses. It's a yobbo's retreat, it's dirty and unkempt."

They claimed there was no need for the playground as children living on the estate could use the play area in Trowbridge Park.

But their pleas were rejected by councillors last week, who said the play area was a vital part of the new estate, built on the old Ushers bottling store, off Duke Street.

Planning officer Tracy Harvey told Thursday's central area committee: "The play area was an essential part of this development."

Cllr Adrian Fox said villages around west Wiltshire were crying out for play areas.

He said: "I would be very dismayed if there was any move to get rid of it. It will perform a very useful purpose."

He was backed by Cllr Tom James who said: "This play area is not just for today or tomorrow, it is for years to come, and future residents of those houses.

"One of the beauties of what we have here is that children can play safely in sight of their homes.