A new play area in Clacton has been given the green light - for the second time.

The original decision to approve the new multi-use games area on the London Road recreation ground was called in by councillors Mitch Mitchell (Peter Bruff), Tony Fawcett (St Mary's) and Matthew Patten (Bradfield, Wrabness and Wix).

Despite £50,000 funding from Barclays' Spaces for Sport programme in place, the councillors wanted the application to be reconsidered, citing a lack of detailed information as well as insufficient consultation with residents.

At a meeting of the council's scrutiny committee, Mr Patten said: "These concerns are not rooted in a desire to prevent this bid going ahead.

"Rather, in the event that it does, my concern is to ensure it has the best possible chance for success."

Leisure portfolio holder Pierre Oxley denied the claim his department had not carried out adequate consultation with residents.

Committee members also challenged him on issues of anti-social behaviour on the site, including drug-taking, suggesting that these incidents could worsen should the play area go-ahead.

Mr Oxley said there would be regular meetings with police, and for a two-week period there would also be a full- time PCSO presence there.

Following a heated debate, chairman Steven Henderson took the casting vote, and the play area was approved.