PEOPLE have backed a time limit placed on teenagers using a Risinghurst play park, despite claims the action was "heavy-handed".

A row has broken out over the use of a play area next to the community centre off Richards Way.

The row erupted after Risinghurst and Sandhills Parish Council put up signs banning teenagers from using the kick- about area before 9.30am.

The park also has to be vacated by 9pm - and youngsters have been told to keep noise to a minimum.

Delia Cox, 70, of Baker Close, said: "The parish council has done the right thing because residents have to put up with noise from morning to night.

"Kids use the play area for drinking sessions and the footballs are always banging against our houses. If the time restriction wasn't there in the morning, they would be there all night.

"I have had to turf kids out of there at six in the morning. It's used for drink, drugs and sex - it's not right."

Susanna Mahlo, 32, a mother-of-three also living in Baker Close, broke down in tears as she said: "The kids are there in the play area at 2am and they come back at 5.30am.

"We've been in a living hell."

But father-of-four Jon Phipps, who lives in nearby Carter Close, said the morning time restriction was heavy-handed and should be dropped.

Mr Phipps, 33, added: "The parish council owns this land and created it so that teenagers would have somewhere to go, and now they are restricting the opening times.

"I'm sure no other play area in the city has this kind of time limit placed on it in the morning.

"The parish council owns two other play areas and it hasn't imposed restrictions there.

"If there is any trouble, it is not caused by local youngsters - it's people from outside the area. I'm just trying to get the kids round here a better deal. There are nine signs on the gate and it is over the top."

Quarry and Risinghurst city councillor Dee Sinclair said: "The kickabout area, which also has a shelter, was designed for young people by the parish council and in my view it would be better for the county council's youth service to talk to teenagers about the issues.

"We do need more activities for youngsters in Risinghurst because there is no bus service on a Sunday and they can feel marooned."

Oxford Police spokesman Claire Gourlay said: "Officers have increased patrols of the recreation area in Risinghurst and have spoken to many youths in the area, who were acting in an antisocial manner.

"Officers have made it very clear what is and is not considered acceptable behaviour and the consequences if this is not adhered to. Officers from the neighbourhood team have spoken with the residents of Risinghurst. They have confirmed there is a marked improvement and we are heading in the right direction."