HARTLEBURY Parish Council has warned that facilities including play areas, tennis courts and a car park will close if a long-running dispute is not settled.

A breach of condition notice was handed to the council by Wychavon District Council for none compliance after fencing was put up around an unstable patio outside the Parish Hall, with safety concerns being raised.

The parish council claims it has been unable to address the issue of fixing the patio and removing the fence after discussions with the Hartlebury Parish Hall Management Committee charity broke down.

In a statement, the parish council said: "Unless the charity address their unstable walls, the council have no possible alternative solution but to comply with the breach of conditions and therefore close their own car park and associated facilities ie the play areas, tennis court and MUGA with immediate effect".

The council added: "Rest assured just as soon as the hall's committee make safe their patio terrace area, the Heras fencing can be removed allowing the car park and associated facilities to reopen for the enjoyment of all".

However, Hartlebury Parish Hall Management Committee chairman Ray Kirby has said the issue has "nothing at all" to do with the charity and that the parish council has responsibility for organising contractors.

"There's been so much misinformation put out," he said.

"We are only the tenants. All we want as part of our lease is that we have the facilities to use unhindered.

"If it was up to us to do something about it I would have done it months ago."

Residents have branded the squabbling as an "embarrassment," with one describing it as "like the Muppet Show".

One social media user said: "It’s ridiculous, the “tit for tat" attitude needs to stop, pull together and stop punishing the community".

Another said: "This is coming across as petty nonsense from both parties. Never known anything like it. This is an absolute embarrassment."