Plans to open a play area in memory of a nine-year-old girl killed in a road accident have been deferred.

The Keighley Area Planning Panel yesterday afternoon voted to put the so-called Casey's Corner proposal on hold while issues surrounding crime, maintenance and access were resolved.

Councillor Paul Greaves, the chairman of the planning panel, said the group aimed to bring the plans back for consideration on February 9.

Earlier, Bradford Council planning officers had recommended the application should be turned down, due to fears about noise and anti-social behaviour.

They added that the site was too close to people's homes.

The plans were opposed by some residents, who sent in five letters of objection and a petition signed by 16 people.

The playground is meant to be a tribute to Casey Mason, pictured right, who died after being hit by a lorry on Bradford Road, in April 2004.

The play area proposal was started and co-ordinated by Sue Brewer, who owns the land in Florist Street.

Keighley Town Council has agreed to provide £2,500 to cover the insurance and maintenance of the play area.

Bradford Vision has given a £6,000 grant for a security fence surrounding the site.

Responding to news of the decision, Mrs Brewer said: "We're disappointed that they've deferred this but we will carry on -- we're not going to give up."

Speaking in support of Casey's Corner at the panel meeting, Cllr Brian Hudson said Bradford Vision funding for the site would be lost if a decision on the site was not reached.

He said it made sense for youngsters to have a safe place to play away from the streets.

He said: "Everyone has looked for an alternative site in Stockbridge for a playground but there isn't one."

Architectural consultant Nick Lajszczuk, who drew up the planning application free of charge, also argued in favour of the play area.

He said: "Emotion should be taken out of the equation here.

"This should be decided on the basis of merit, suitability and need."

He said residents could not prove the facility would automatically produce rowdy behaviour.

"It's not appropriate to object on an assumption that the site will be used by undesirables," he said. "That is based on a perception -- not on fact."