Five play areas are to be removed from a Borehamwood housing estate due to concerns from residents about vandalism and the nuisance behaviour of some children.

Councillors last week decided to landscape the derelict play areas in the Farriers Way Estate and to install a five-a-side goal post on public open space in Dales Path.

During a public consultation exercise carried out by Hertsmere Borough Council in February a majority of estate residents indicated they did not want play areas there.

Although many were keen for play areas to be provided for children, most were worried about the disturbances which resulted from having them near to their homes.

Councillor Martin Heywood, speaking during last week's leisure committee meeting, said the problem arose because the play areas were poorly planned.

'They had the play areas far too close to people's homes and even proper, authorised play there caused distress and problems to those living nearby,' he said.

The committee were told that play facilities were provided in nearby Kenilworth Park and Ripon Park, and that a new play area could be considered for the estate in the future.

The borough council had set aside £56,000 for a new children's play area on the Farriers Estate, although some of this money will now go towards landscaping the play areas.