RESIDENTS have criticised the council over the state of a Bolton play area, branding it a danger to children.

People in Henley Grove, Great Lever, say the council-maintained play area near their homes has fallen into disrepair over the last few years.

They say children have hurt themselves on sharp nails from broken fencing surrounding the play area.

Despite requests to council chiefs to tidy up the green space, they say nothing has been done. Mum-of-seven Cheryl Aldred said: "I won't let my children play anywhere near that play area.

"The fencing was damaged by teenagers some while back. They smashed the panelling and left it in a right mess.

"But nothing has been done by the council to repair the damage.

"My daughter has stood on a nail which was sticking out from damaged fencing.

"Workmen come and mow the lawn every now and then but the grass area is bald in places because the council have not replanted the grass."

Father-of-one Keith Mayo said: "The play area is an absolute disgrace. I've lived here for 10 years and it has been in a bad state for some time now.

"Our council tax money should be spent on repairing areas of land like this. It's an absolute eyesore."

A council spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation and are looking into it."