FAMILIES are being asked to choose between two locations for a state-of-the-art play area in Wellington – despite some local opposition to the proposed sites.

Taunton Deane Council has drawn up plans for a new play space that could be sited either on land at Howard Road or at Roly Poly Green nearby, and people are being invited to vote at each location today (Friday) from 3.15pm to 5pm.

The planned play space has been designed to get youngsters to use their imagination and energy with a huge fallen tree to clamber over, boulders to scramble over and grassy mounds to climb.

Households near both sites have been leafleted and children at three Wellington schools – Beech Grove and St John’s primaries, and Court Fields Community School – will also be asked to have their say.

But the vote has been slammed by Conservative Parliamentary candidate Mark Formosa who has called consultation a “sham.”

Mr Formosa, who is supporting families who have protested at the Howard Road option, says the council is now trying to play off one set of residents against another in order to force through its plans.

He said: "In effect, the council is trying to force residents to accept this play area in one of these two locations and nowhere else.”

Cllr Dr Richard Lees, the council’s portfolio holder for sport, art and leisure, replied: “I am very disappointed with Mr Formosa’s remarks.

“We have had a fantastic response to a similar play area in Holway with the schools and community all being invited to created a wonderful area for play.

“This should be seen as a fantastic opportunity.”

The council has a £35,000 Playbuilder grant, administered by Somerset County Council, to help fund the scheme. That will be topped up with £10,000 of Section 106 cash – money drawn from agreements with developers.