YOUNGSTERS in Rubery are still without a place to play after more than three months waiting for new equipment.

Twelve weeks ago the Advertiser/Messenger reported that Bromsgrove District Council had removed the playground equipment from St Chad's Park.

The park was left empty, just days before youngsters embarked on a half-term holiday. A council spokesman said it would take up to 12 weeks to replace.

Nic Parkes, sSpokesperson for village website www.ruberyvillage.co.uk, said: "No new equipment has been installed in St Chad's Park and while a sandpit is nice, I'm sure a play area would be even better.

"No other council would do this to their residents and once again Bromsgrove District Council is treating Rubery as 'the poor relation'. Would they do this in Sanders Park?"

New equipment is due to be purchased with some of the £30,000 generated from the sale of the Callowbrook School site. However, so far the only new equipment to be purchased is a set of benches.

District councillor for the area Cllr Peter McDonald (Lab) hit out when the equipment was first removed, angered that there were no immediate plans to replace it, with the summer months looming.

Speaking to the Advertiser/Messenger yesterday (Tuesday) he said: "It is outrageous that the district council should continue to treat the people of Rubery in this way.

"I will now, once again, be writing to the chief executive for a full explanation of these actions. I will also be calling for the immediate resignation of the portfolio holder for leisure and tourism."

No one from Bromsgrove District Council was available for comment at the time the Advertiser/Messenger went to press.