A PETITION against the remodelling of an open space in Horsell has been launched by concerned parents.

Contractors Mansell, who are currently building a new Scout Hut in land off High Street near the village hall, have released images of how the neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Gardens will look after completion.

Much to residents’ distress the plans show that ‘excess materials’ from the build will be used to ‘stabilise slopes’ where children often play ball games.

A large amount of soil has since been dumped on the land, creating a much steeper slope than plans suggested.

Petition creator Natasha Zinman explained: “We expressed our upset and concern that they were planning to leave the site with this very high, very steep hill which ends on a concrete path.”

Mothers believe that the steep slope will “inevitability” tempt children to roll down it.

Mrs Zinman added: “The slope goes from the top of the mound down to the edge of the bowling green where there is a hedge and protruding concrete blocks and possibly brickwork which again will be dangerous to slide, roll, and run down.

"The other huge concern is that we will not be able to observe our children. Once up there, they will be out of sight.”

Mrs Zinman explained that the gardens are space often used by the community and suggested that a valuable asset will be lost if the dirt pile is not removed.

She added: “The loss of this flat area has forced boys to play football in the small grassy area where parents and young children sit. Not only is there not enough space for them to properly play football, there is an inherent safety risk over ball games being played by young children close to the road.”

Councillor for Horsell West, Ann-Marie Barker, has already requested that building work cease while a solution is found.

She explained: “The plans did not appear on the council’s lists which is why it has not come to my attention.

“On Wednesday there was discussions to ensure we do not dramatically change the play space.”

The petition currently has 45 signatures and can be accessed via the council’s website.

Visit petitions.woking.gov.uk/saveourpark to have your say.