FEARS that young children could be at risk from broken glass in a run-down play area are to be addressed.

Numerous complaints from residents about the state of a park in Martin's Wood, Chineham, have been logged with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and now plans to revamp the area, also known as Meadowlands, are being reviewed.

The poor state of the facilities, combined with reports of broken glass getting mixed up with bark chips which surround the children's play area, has prompted council officials to draw up new reconstruction plans.

After writing to local residents asking for their views, a public consultation on the plans has already begun.

Ian Harris, the borough council's parks and open spaces manager, is urging residents to have their say on the proposed refurbishment.

Mr Harris told Chineham Parish Council at a meeting on Monday that the borough had received letters, e-mails and phone calls from people concerned about the park, which was built in the 1990s.

As well as safety fears, residents are concerned that rapid improvements to the area could encourage a growing problem of teenage anti-social behaviour.

"We do need to improve that play area. If we delay that issue we will have to come back to it at some later date," said Mr Harris.

He added that the borough council was aware of some residents' concerns and urged anyone who felt strongly about the issue to take part in the consultation.

Before any work is carried out on the site, he wants villagers to agree with the plans.

Mr Harris, who hopes to have the park refurbished this year, said: "We want to take on people's views.

"The sooner we can agree on a plan, the sooner we can implement it."

First published: Wednesday, May 11, 2005