RESIDENTS in Ladybridge claim a nearby block of flats which has become rundown is ruining their quality of life.

Families living in Rimsdale Walk say the homes in Broadgate House, run by Moorside Housing Association, have been left in a poor state of disrepair.

They claim windows are smashed and boarded up for weeks on end, bin bags of rubbish are strewn all over the pavements and it is a magnet for vandals.

Residents also claim the tenants in the flats, many of whom are very young, are verbally abusive, play loud music and throw glass bottles out of their windows.

They claim the value of their properties has dropped dramatically because of the state of the flats which were built 10 years ago.

Paint technician Bob Barnes, age 62, who has lived in Rimsdale Walk for 25 years, said: "The estate has gradually declined over the last five years.

"There are glass and beer cans all over the place, rats are running around the bin bags of rubbish, there are smashed windows and it is a disgrace.

"This used to be one of the nicest estates in Bolton.

"The flats are the responsibility of the housing association and it should clean up its act.

"The tenants are too young and there should be an age limit of at least 30 -- if they can't respect the area, they shouldn't be allowed to live here." Joyce Hadfield, age 71, who is a member of the Ladybridge Residents Association, added: "There are young families living here and, because of the glass everywhere, it is not safe for their children to play out.

"The tenants are not responsible enough and they don't care about anyone else but themselves. It is such a mess."

Thomas Nolan, senior housing co-ordinator for Moorside Housing Association in Silverwell Lane, said: "We are looking into the matter. I cannot comment any further."