CHILDREN could be at risk if they play on concrete culverts in Drake Crescent, Chippenham, residents claim.

Parents living near Drake Crescent, on Cepen Park South, have complained to North Wiltshire District Council children could fall and hurt themselves playing on the culverts around a watercourse.

Youngsters are using the metal railings above the concrete pipes as an unofficial climbing frame, according to Chippenham Without parish council clerk Samantha Simon.

And children playing in and around the water's edge could be at risk of falling or banging their heads.

The stream runs through several back gardens but many residents have incorporated the waterway as a feature in their garden design.

The district council fixed metal grating over the pipe ends to keep children out. But now the parish council would like to see the rest of the stream covered.

"I understand the stream was left open to protect the home of the lesser spotted newt, but with all the building that went on I can't see the wildlife would have stayed," said Mrs Simon.

She said it would have cost in the region of £300,000 to pipe the stream, while the culverts cost £96,000. The parish council is setting up a meeting to talk about the problem.

A district council spokesman said Stephen Scothern, engineer for housing and property, was looking into the matter and would meet with residents soon.

Contractors were still working in the area but the district council would be looking to adopt the land in the future.