RESIDENTS living around Parsonage Way field are worried parish council plans will destroy a space that has been used by generations of families for community sports.

Plans which include a community orchard and a wicker tunnel were outlined in a consultation in May 2017 but were discredited by residents as inappropriate and abandoned.

But residents fear costings are being prepared once more by the parish council.

A spokesperson for residents in Parsonage Way, Morrison Close and Hawthorne Avenue, whose properties overlook the field, said: “It seemed clear to us that the parish council had not given sufficient thought to the impact of the proposed development on the residents who feared it would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and parking problems in the adjacent cul-de-sac.

“Nothing they can do will enhance the area more, or serve the residents better, than simply maintaining the area as a beautiful open green space for all to enjoy. Cut it and care for it – that’s all we’re asking”

Peter Watson, chairman of Great Sankey Parish Council, said: “The original plan for a community orchard and wicker tunnels were part of an initial consultation.

“The parish council made the decision not to pursue these options. The residents have been fully informed of our proposals which are for the benefit of the wider community.

“In the event that the work proceeds the field will still remain ‘a beautiful open green space for all to enjoy’.

“No final decisions have been made by the parish council.”