AN UPTON Councillor has been left 'frustrated' after failing to receive any updates on installing a new play area at Tunnel Hill. 

Cllr Martin Allen was speaking after Upton Upon Severn Town Council decided to remove play area equipment at Tunnel Hill for safety reasons. 

The authority currently leases the land, however, this expires in March 2027, and Cllr Allen has urged landowners Platform Housing to do more to install a new play area. 

A statement released by the town council last month said as it does not have an ongoing lease, it could not secure any funding for investment in new play equipment.

Cllr Allen, speaking in his role as a Worcestershire county councillor, told the Gazette he had contacted Platform Housing Group to learn more on what it intends to do next. 

In the email, Cllr Allen said he asked if it was possible for Platform Housing to either take the land lease back early and install play equipment or to install the equipment before then. 

He also said he was happy to meet with a representative from Platform. 

However, he said up to this point he had not received a satisfactory answer from Platform Housing. 

Cllr Allen (Green) who represents Croome on the county council, added:  "Personally I am very disappointed that the play equipment has had to be removed. 

"I have written to Platform Housing and have received a standard holding response so far.

"It is really disappointing given the number of children living in Tunnel Hill and given how popular that play area was. 

"Families in Tunnel Hill deserve a play area."

Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group said: “The land is currently leased to the council until 2027 so they have responsibility for what is on that land until the lease expires then it becomes our responsibility and a decision of the future use of the land would need to be considered.”

The town council announced the play area would be removed last month after an annual and operational inspection said the equipment does not meet current safety standards. 

In May, the town council said it was sorry the decision had to be made but added the safety of the area was paramount.

We approached the town council for further comment but it said it would not be making any statement.