Parents in a local community have been left "dumbfounded" after a council was forced to demolish a children's play area after receiving noise complaints.

The multi-purpose games facility in Memorial Park, Chapel-en-le-Frith served as a recreational space for local youngsters, but faced legal action from local homeowners for half a decade.

The Derbyshire parish authority has now dismantled the amenity after the neighbours won their bid over sound levels and the facility's location near residential properties.

Construction equipment began dismantling the sports area, which had been established through local fundraising efforts in 2010.

Legal proceedings commenced in 2021 when neighbours took the parish authority to court regarding disturbances from the recreational area, citing issues with balls hitting metal barriers and disruptive conduct.

The High Court issued an abatement notice on October 31, 2022, requiring the council to address the noise concerns.

The parish authority faced further legal consequences when a district judge determined in July that they had violated the court's directive.

Sentencing for this breach is scheduled for November 13.

The council was forced to demolish a children's car park over noise disturbance

The local authority acknowledged the challenging nature of their decision to dismantle the facility, declaring that they aimed to conclude the lengthy legal dispute while preventing additional court expenses.

Local mother Carly Dunningham, whose child is ten years old, expressed bewilderment at the situation.

She told the BBC: "We are dumbfounded by this. A facility for the community has gone, so I would like to ask them (the people who complained) how they feel?"

Rob Hodgson, another parent, described experiencing both irritation and fury upon witnessing the demolition equipment at work.

The multi-purpose games facility in Memorial Park served as a recreational space for local youngsters

Ritchie Fay, father to boys aged 11 and 17, emphasised the significant gap this would create, as only a small playground for younger children and an unusable waterlogged football field remain.

He said: "We need it; we have to have it. There is nothing else now in Chapel for kids."

Legal representatives for the residents highlighted that Sport England recommendations specify recreational facilities should be positioned 30 to 40 metres away from residential dwellings.

The demolished facility sat considerably closer to properties, positioned at the park's boundary.

Neighbours raised concerns about the sound levels and the facility's proximity to residential properties

The solicitors representing homeowners indicated that relocating the sports area to a less disruptive location had always been the intended solution.

They noted the parish authority had initially placed the facility inappropriately, requiring fifteen years and extended court proceedings to rectify the mistake.

The council announced that replacement facilities would be financed through grants and community contributions to prevent council tax increases.

A public consultation regarding sporting provisions is scheduled for Tuesday at the town hall.