An increase in council tax next year could be on the cards if a decision on the construction of an adventure playground is not made in the coming weeks, the leader of Hart District Council has warned.

Cllr Ken Crookes told around 50 concerned residents who have been campaigning against the prospect of a £100,000 playground that they risk an increase of 4% as the district council will become liable for Big Lottery Fund (BLF) projects across the district.

But Yateley Town Council this week announced it plans to consult with residents on three possible sites — Monteagle Lane, Yateley Green and land opposite Darby Green Community Centre.

Angry residents met at the site off Monteagle Lane that could receive half of the £200,000 BLF money earmarked to Hart for play equipment to express their concerns to their MP, Gerald Howarth on Friday.

People living near to the Monteagle open space, identified as being ideal for the project, contacted Mr Howarth after raising concerns about lack of consultation.

Cllr Crookes said: “If we don’t start the work soon we will lose the money.
 
“Hart District Council faces serious risk of losing the money from the BLF and £150,000 will be added to council tax for it. That will mean a 4% increase on everyone’s council tax.
 
“It is unacceptable to risk losing funding.”

Residents expressed worries about an increase in vandalism  and the antisocial behaviour issues that currently plague the secluded area if the playground is constructed on that site.

Mr Howarth said he began to receive a number of emails from residents outlining their fears two weeks ago and decided to meet them in person.

He said: “What has gone wrong is police and children have been consulted but residents haven’t. I will express my own concerns. Vandalism in our country is out of control.

“The idea of having fun facilities is being stopped because of people’s expectations of vandalism.”

For more on this story, see the Yateley News out on Friday November 21.