A NEW play area in Blackwood will cause "World War III" for locals already facing problems with young vandals, locals say.

Residents committee member Andrew Farina-Childs, 36, from Twynyffald Road, Cefn Fforest, says people are concerned that the multi-use games area - known as MUGA for short - which has enclosed basketball and football courts, will increase anti-social problems.

In Wednesday's Argus we highlighted the problems experienced by staff at the nearby Sunnybank Health Centre, in Bryn Road, Cefn Fforest, where youths branded as "animals and thugs" have caused more than £30,000 of damage.

Mr Farina-Childs - pictured right with shopkeeper Angelo Carpinini - told the Argus: "The problems in the area are bad enough as it is and I'm worried with this new multi-use games area we're going to have people coming over from Penllwyn and Fleur-de-Lys, because it's something new, and we're going to have World War III."

He added: "There was a basketball court here a few years ago and we had youths playing here until three in the morning - it was horrendous." Mr Farina-Childs also claimed: "I've seen children as young as ten or eleven smoking pot."

The MUGA comes to Cefn Fforest as a result of money given by the National Assembly as part of its Communities First project to help the most deprived wards in Wales. Local councillor Graham Simmonds said it was hoped that the play area would emulate the success it had enjoyed in Aberbargoed and the Lansbury Park area of Caerphilly. It is hoped that CCTV cameras will also be installed.

Police Constable Wayne Roberts, from Blackwood police, said that patrols will be increased in the area and he hopes to help set-up a neighbourhood watch scheme with local people.

Worried residents of the area are holding a public meeting at the Twynyffald Social Club (known locally as the Blue Club) on Monday night 6.45pm.