Almost £10,000 has been earmarked for planting bulbs in a Black Country park – in a move branded ridiculous and a waste of money.

The outlay on 2,300 bulbs and the cost of planting them has been suggested by Walsall Council as part of the £200,000 revamp of Kings Hill Park in Darlaston.

But the Friends of Darlaston South Parks said the work could be carried out for hundreds rather than thousands of pounds – and even said its own volunteers would help.

It would then free up cash to be allocated elsewhere such as on trees which need to be replaced around the site off Darlaston Road, due to old age.

The estimated cost for buying and planting the bulbs is £9,200.

Council chiefs insisted today it was just an early indication and flavour of what may need to be allocated.

Darlaston councillor and chair of the Friends group Paul Bott said: “It is completely ridiculous and the prices are unrealistic.

“Look at the amount of trees which could be planted at that cost.

“It is a complete waste of money spending that much on bulbs and could be better spent.

“We would like to know who does the costings.”

It emerged early this week the overall £200,000 scheme which includes new football pitches and better car park security, would take up to five years.

Leisure chief councillor Anthony Harris said: “It was carefully explained to the Friends’ Group early last week that the plans and costs for the scheme at Kings Hill Park were an initial cost proposal.”

He said the proposal was based on options previously discussed with the group, in terms of potential improvements for the park.

“These costs and options were to be appraised by officers and the Friends Group and were to give the group a flavour of options and costs which is quite normal for such a scheme,” he added.

The park has been plagued with anti-social behaviour as well as mini-motors and quad bikes.

It is hoped the new sports facilities will tackle anti-social behaviour by providing youngsters with something to do.