A homeowner in Wilburton says a new children’s play area that has opened just yards from his front door is making his life “hell”.

Bill Ludbrooke says the noise generated by youngsters using the play area, which sits in close proximity to his home, in Berristead Close, has become unbearable and he “cannot stick it anymore”.

The play area was funded by Wilburton Parish Council and gained the support of the majority of parishioners, but Mr Ludbrooke says most of those who supported the play area don’t have to live near it.

He said: “It’s like living in hell, it’s horrendous. It has just ruined things around here completely. When the plans were announced we saw a problem with it immediately and we brought it up but we were told it would only be a small park.

“I have to vacate my property at about the same time every day because of the noise about 20feet away. I have stuck it for a long time but I cannot stick it anymore.”

Mr Ludbrooke said there are 39 houses in the close and that several of his neighbours were also being disturbed by the noise, which peaked outside of school hours.

Councillor Chris Fella, chairman of the playground working group, said parishioners were fully consulted prior to work beginning on the play area, and at every stage thereafter.

He said: “All residents of Berristead Close were sent a leaflet outlining the play area, and invited to attend an exhibition at the village hall. Following consultation the plans were amended to exclude the proposed zip wire, and to only include play equipment for younger children.

“As a result no further concerns were raised. Following the completion of the work we have received complaints about noise from three residents, and praise for the play area from the vast majority of parishioners who have commented.

“The parish council took action to amend plans where possible while, at the same time, had to consider the needs of the village as a whole through a democratic and thorough consultation process.”