RESIDENTS of Ynysddu near Blackwood are angry at council plans to replace their tennis courts with a multi-purpose games area.

People in the Graig View area are concerned that the new games area would encourage youths to hang about and cause noise.

Last week a petition signed by 45 residents was handed to Caerphilly borough council's deputy leader, Stuart Ross.

Local resident Tony Wilkins said: "The council say only three people have objected to the plans but the petition proves that far more are against their proposals.

"The tennis courts are well-used and a multi-use games area would just cause problems, particularly for the elderly people who live nearby in the pensioners' bungalows."

A spokesperson for the council said that at the time of the public consultation few concerns were raised by residents.

"The tennis courts were rarely used. A multi-use games area would be a more appropriate use of the space and would benefit children in the area.

"Of course we take on the views of residents but this area has been used by children for many years."