CONCERN over safety on a piece of land at Abbotsfield in Tavistock has prompted an investigation by a group dealing with the town council?s use of open spaces.
The council?s properties committee last week heard that a resident living in the area had written, worried at the state of walls and trees in the area.
The resident said: ?Just recently a large piece of concrete fell from the top of the wall at the entrance to the land. Luckily, no-one was injured on this occasion, but it is clear to see that there is more unstable concrete which could fall at any time.?
He said the land was originally designated as a play area, but was now seldom used by children and had become an ?overgrown dumping area?, which, if the council was interested in selling, he would consider buying to create a wildlife area.
Cllr Ann Johnson said the area, close to Abbotsfield Hall, had been well used by children in the past. ?It?s quite rough, but they built dens and treehouses and had tremendous fun using it,? she said.
?I haven?t seen any garden waste dumped there this year. It sounds as if everyone from Abbotsfield is taking their rubbish there, but that is not so ? I think it would be a tremendous shame if this area was lost.?
The committee was told the council sold Abbotsfield in 1984, but this small area had been retained in its ownership and it was therefore responsible for its maintenance. It could be formally adopted as a rough play area for children but would need continued clearing; health and safety aspects would also need to be considered.
Cllr Brian Trew proposed the issue be referred to the council?s open spaces best value review group, which was agreed.