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Residents who raised concerns about ‘loud’ soccer matches in a kids’ playground have received £130,000.

The recreational zone at Memorial Park in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire was initially launched in 2010 following a local fundraising initiative.

However, shortly afterward, three residents—Dr. Merren Jones, Stephen Covey-Crump, and David Howe—submitted complaints to the Chapel Parish Council regarding the noise caused by ‘bouncing footballs’ striking the metal structure.

In 2021, they filed a legal action against the local authority, arguing that the location violated planning regulations as it was situated in an inappropriate spot, only a few meters away from the closest residence.

Following years of legal disputes, the council ultimately gave in and last month, excavators entered the multi-use games area (MUGA) and began tearing down the field.

In addition to the reported ‘six-figure’ legal costs, Chapel Parish has been mandated to pay £130,000 to two residents after a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Carly Dunningham, who is the mother of a 10-year-old daughter, stated: ‘We are shocked by this choice to tear down the MUGA.’

A community facility has been removed, so I would like to ask those people (who complained) how they feel?

Stuart Barber, 78, stated: “I believe their actions are somewhat immature. It should have remained, as many people relied on it.”

A tiny number of individuals have succeeded in altering something so trivial, it’s laughable.

A mother remarked, “I’m shocked that a case such as this even reached the courtroom and that these whining troublemakers have prevailed.”

Children require amenities such as these and should be motivated to participate in sports, with most residents supporting this idea. Unfortunately, the minority has taken control, and we find this outcome deeply disappointing.

A mother of one, Sarah, 51, said: ‘I used to take my son here when he was a young child. He is now 13 and would have utilized it during the winter months. Many children used it.’

It was surprising to witness the bulldozers demolishing it. It’s unfortunate, as it’s yet another location that children are no longer able to access.

You’re referring to getting children involved in sports and it’s being taken away.

A different resident expressed frustration: “I reside close to the park and it was delightful to hear children playing and kicking a ball around.”

I find it difficult to grasp the mindset of certain individuals who anticipate total quiet while residing near a public park.

What is equally frustrating is that I am aware one of them [the complainants] has left the village and is now residing in a city that is far from tranquil.

Grandmother Stephanie Ashton stated, “My grandchildren visit here to play soccer since they have friends in Chapel too.”

It’s beneficial for them to be in the park instead of using their iPads. Each time you visited the park, there were always children on them.

I wouldn’t call it loud at all, they were simply playing football.

All they had to do was install soundproofing and that would have fixed it. You hear shouting in every town and village.

A judge initially stated that the complainants were ‘overly sensitive to noise,’ but the High Court reversed this ruling in November 2022 when the three local residents claimed the park created a ‘statutory nuisance’ due to ‘ball strikes, kicks, and bounces.’

The council was granted four months to address the noise issue by either shutting down the location or relocating it farther from residential areas.

Meanwhile, it increased taxes by 86 percent to cover the expensive legal costs, a decision that was not well-received by residents.

However, the local authority was convicted of violating the abatement order in July and chose to demolish the game area and skateboard park.

The Daily Mail has sought input from Chapel Parish Council.

The local council had previously mentioned on its website: ‘After a recent court session, the parish council has chosen to take the tough decision of taking the MUGA out of the War Memorial Park.

This choice was not made without careful consideration, and we empathize with the sadness experienced by numerous members of the community.

Nevertheless, we consider it the most reasonable approach to reduce the noise and conclude a five-year legal process, thus preventing additional legal expenses.

Richard Buxton Solicitors, who represented the three residents, previously stated: ‘The parish council placed the MUGA in an incorrect location from the start.’

It has required 15 years and extended legal processes for the parish council to correct its mistake.

The law firm stated that there had never been a request for damages against the parish council.

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