ANGRY residents have blasted "underhand" council chiefs for keeping them in the dark over plans to change vacant land at the back of a Dudley primary school into a playground.

The controversial proposals would see the front entrance of Dudley Wood Primary School become a staff entrance and the existing small playground turned into a staff car park.

School entrances for parents and pupils would be built at the back of the building from Dudley Wood Avenue and from the car park off Dudley Wood Road.

Furious residents fear the land would cause a dramatic increase in traffic levels on a quiet cul-de-sac and mean the loss of part of a nature reserve.

They claim they did not know about the plans until it was discussed at last month's Central Dudley Area Committee meeting.

The proposed land is currently used as a recreation area featuring football pitches and was given to Dudley Council as a Deed of Gift.

Pupils currently share their playground with the staff parking area.

Derek Jones, of Dudley Wood Avenue, said: "I'm angry at the underhand way it's being done.

"We would have a playground right next to our houses and the traffic that goes with it.

"Our houses may have 200 or 300 cars outside their doors. It would no longer be a quiet cul-de-sac but would turn into a busy main road."

Residents held a public meeting last Thursday (June 28) with 70 out of 71 residents voting against the plans.

A site visit will be held by councillors at the location and the plans will next be discussed at the Central Dudley Area Committee on Tuesday September 11.

Cllr Tina While-Cooper said: "There is nothing underhand going on.

"It is purely at the consultation level. We listened to what the residents had to say at last week's meeting and they were very expressive."