A GATE to a newly-opened play area has been padlocked temporarily after a villager raised fears over possible child abductions.

Parish councillors in Croft have barred access to a side gate at the playground, at the village recreation field off Smithy Brow, after a letter from a concerned resident.

The park was only recently refurbished as part of a £56,000 scheme partly backed by landfill tax funds.

The villager, who has not been named, was worried about the close proximity of the swings and slides to a car park at Smithy Lane.

He had collected a small petition bringing the matter to the attention of Croft Parish Council, which manages the recreation ground and car park.

And while the council is confident it can allay the villager's fears, the gate will remain locked until a parish meeting next Tuesday when the issue will be fully debated.

Borough councillor Les Hoyle, who also sits on the parish council, said he had been approached by a number of parents since the gate's closure.

"It is hoped that the gate can be opened up again afterwards so villagers can get the full benefit of the new play area," added Clr Hoyle.

He stressed that there had been no known abduction attempts and the measure had been taken purely as a precaution until a full discussion could take place.

Parents and youngsters wanting to reach the playground can still use the recreation ground's main gates, situated further along Smithy Lane.

The incident is not the first time that a barred gate has caused controversy in Croft.

Villagers were divided last summer when an entry, linking Lord Street and Arkenshaw Road, was locked as part of an access dispute.