A BUDLEIGH Salterton town councillor is appealing to the district council to turn a blind eye against policy when installing play equipment at Norman's Crescent.

A BUDLEIGH Salterton town councillor is appealing to the district council to turn a blind eye against policy when installing play equipment at Norman's Crescent.East Devon District Council policy is to include equipment suitable for youngsters up to the age of 14 in its play areas. Councillor Caz Sismore-Hunt wants the council to make an exception when it develops the Norman Crescent play area - and make the area suitable for toddlers instead. Cllr Sismore-Hunt fears encouraging teenagers to hang around the secluded housing complex could create anti-social problems for residents.She said the town's teenagers were well-catered for because of the newly-opened youth club.Councillor Sismore-Hunt said it was the town's small children who would most benefit from the area.East Devon District Council said it was to consult the pupils at St Peter's Primary School, next month, to determine the type of equipment desired by the youngsters.Council officials said a door-to-door consultation found at least 84 children under the age of 14 who lived at, or regularly visited, Norman Crescent.Councillor Sismore-Hunt said: "I appreciate East Devon District Council's policy to make all available play areas up to the age of 14, but I wonder if they can make an exception and just have equipment suitable for younger children."It's not just Norman Crescent residents who will use the park. If you encourage teenagers up there, there could be anti-social behaviour."A district council spokeswoman said: "East Devon District Council is responsible for 71 play areas throughout the district, all of which are open to all children up to the age of 14. "In our experience this is an appropriate age at which to restrict children from playing on these sites.