A FORMER caretaker would be "turning in his grave", says his daughter, who claims his park is being neglected by Bolton Council.

Maria Molyneux, the daughter of Wasyl Molskyj, has hit out at the local authority over the state of Thomasson Park after a friend found human faeces at the top of the slide in the park's play area.

Michael Rigg was horrified when he made the discovery while walking through the park, also known as Mere Hall, with 23-month-old grandson AJ Williamson.

Since 2011, the council agreed a reduction in grass cutting frequencies to make savings of £2.8 million from the neighbourhood services budget, but a spokesman said there had been no "significant changes" to maintenance around Mere Hall in recent years.

Mr Molskyj worked at Mere Hall Park for 25 years up until 1986.

His daughter, Mrs Molyneaux, said: "My father's lovely gardens have just been allowed to go to wrack and ruin.

"It used to be immaculate and now it seems no one cleans up or anything.

"They just need to spend some more money on it.

"All that is needed is for a pensioner to be employed part time to keep his eye on it."

She questioned why the park is allowed to get into such a state, given that weddings take place at the register office on site.

Mrs Molyneaux added: "People go out and get married and think 'what a lovely place', but it's a shame it is such a mess.

"My dad put his life into that park but they have just let it go to ruin."

Mr Rigg, aged 48, said: "I have not been up for years and I was shocked. It is so dilapidated from when I played there as a kid.

"It is a mess and a shame for the kids. They are spending millions on these big projects in the town centre but not doing anything for the kids.

"My grandson loves slides but he couldn't use it because of that mess at the top. I was disgusted.

"It does not seem to be cleaned up and it's disgraceful they are neglecting this when they are spending £6.5 million on the town hall."

A council spokesman said: “We are committed to maintaining parks and grass cutting all across Bolton on a regular basis and there have been no significant changes to maintenance around Mere Hall in recent years.”

The estate was purchased in 1836 by Benjamin Dobson, who called it Mere Hall. It was eventually purchased by J P Thomasson, who gave it to the town for use as a museum and public park.