The Hodgson Avenue play area, opposite the Dragon pub, has proved hugely popular with youngsters in recent months, but due to the overgrown bushes surrounding it, it is now proving a haven for yobs.

Councillor for Werrington John Fox said: "We have had the Hodgson play area for a year and everyone loves it.

"The council promised it would keep the bushes cut right down to a minimum, because if they aren't, vandals can't be seen doing the damage.

"They have recently set fire to the rubber over the metal canopy, and this is the second time it has happened. If the bushes are not cut back, it will happen again."

But recreation manager for Peterborough City Council Louise Wilcox said the council's hands were tied due to the need to protect wildlife.

She said: "Bushes and shrubbery at the Hodgson play area in Werrington were extensively cut back in February ahead of the bird nesting season.

"The city council is restricted from cutting back bushes and trees between March and September each year because of nesting birds."

Janek and Jackie Skutela, who run the Dragon, had just returned from holiday to find out regulars had to make a 999 call from the pub after spotting smoke.

Mr Skutela said: "We try to keep an eye out, but because of the bushes we can't see.

"It was agreed that the bushes would be kept down so the police could also see when they were patrolling.

"It is now a perfect hideaway for yobs to sit drinking.

"What is the point of keeping something nice if yobs use and abuse it?"

Local police say they are aware of the problem, and Police Community Support Officer David Capano, of the neighbourhood team, said: "We try to keep an eye on it, but we cannot be everywhere at once.

"We do rely on the public helping us out, and I want to remind people to give us a call if they see anything."

Cllr Fox said the park had been funded through money from the Barbers Hill housing development and voiced fears that history might be repeating itself.

He said: "There used to be a play area before, but it got vandalised and never got replaced. I'm worried the same thing will happen again."

However, the council says it would be reluctant to remove the bushes completely as they acted as a barrier between the play area and a busy road.

Miss Wilcox added: "In September, we will look again at the area and cut back the bushes again if necessary."