YOUNGSTERS who sent letters and drawings to a town council in a bid to get a new play area built near their homes have seen their dreams dashed.

Children living in Ebenezer Close wrote to Witham Town Council last September asking for new play equipment to be built on a green which is surrounded by their homes.

The letters were sent alongside pictures drawn by the children showing what they would like the playground to look like.

Their grand plans included swings, a slide, climbing wall and even a play castle.

The town council agreed to carry out a report and a survey of residents in the area asking for their thoughts on whether the plans should get the green light.

But unfortunately for the children, the residents have now delivered a resounding ‘no’ to the devastated youngsters.

Town councillor JoAnn Williams said: “It was really sad, actually. They surveyed the residents and I think all but two said ‘no’.

“I think a lot of them were concerned about things like noise, but they were also worried about it becoming a place for older children to meet up at night.

“It’s a terrible thing for the children to learn at such young age that democracy means you don’t always get what you want.

“But we’re so proud of them for knowing to come to the town council and I think the message is that they shouldn’t give up.

“Maybe if they try again in a year there will be different people living there and maybe there will be a different outcome for them.”

  • JoAnn Williams is standing for the Conservatives in the Witham North ward in the town council elections on May 2. Philip Barlow (Lab), Jack Bayford (Con), Ann Griffin (Lab), Leanora Headley (Lab), Stephen Hicks (Green), Sandra Howell (Con), Carl Morris (Lab) and Michelle Weeks (Green) are also standing.