A MUM-OF-TWO says Dartford Council was warned about dangerous model planes a month before the death of a teenager on the heath.

Tara Lipscombe, 13, of Wilmot Road, died when a model plane struck her head when she was walking on Dartford Heath with her mum and sister.

But Tina Morrison, 32, of St Albans Road, Dartford, says she contacted the council's recreational department six weeks ago, after her two-year-old son Nathan was almost hit by a model plane.

She said: "We were enjoying a family walk across the heath and I had Nathan on my shoulders. We were watching the planes when one went into a spin out of control and crashed to the ground about three feet in front of us. I was terrified. If it had hit him, he would be dead."

Tina was so angry she called Dartford Council to see what could be done. She was told there was a designated flying area on the heath and by-laws could not be changed. She also contacted the police who said they were also unable to help.

She said: "There is no supervision there. Anyone could pick up a plane and fly it without any qualifications. It's incredibly dangerous to the public."

At a cabinet meeting on April 23, Dartford councillors agreed a draft plan should be prepared about safety on the heath.

A council spokesman said: "A lady called the council. She asked if the council allowed flying and she was told yes. She asked for a copy of the by-laws and these were sent to her. At no stage did she mention she was making a complaint. Her inquiry was treated as a request for information.

"The draft management plan for Dartford Heath will need to address the issue of model aeroplane flying and a report is to go to cabinet as soon as possible."

An inquest into Tara's death was opened and adjourned on April 23.

April 29, 2003 13:00