A NEW play area has been overrun by yobs just weeks after opening, a worried father has claimed.

The man, who does not wish to be named, said one of the youngsters loitering in the play area at Leverhulme Park, Breightmet, had made a cutting gesture and threatened to stab him.

The incident happened after he dropped off his six-year-old son at a karate lesson at Leverhulme Community Centre at about 6pm last Friday.

He reported it to police and is now calling for the play area, which opened last month and is aimed at children aged four to 12, to be locked at night.

The man said: "There must have been about 20 of them on the equipment in two different groups and I would say they were aged between 13 and 15.

"There was underage drinking going on and some of them had filled up coke bottles with lager. One of the lads just came up to me and made a cutting gesture. He said something under his breath which sounded like I'll stab you'."

The father said the park should be locked in case the problem worsens when the nights are lighter in summer.

The play area was created last year as part of a plan to extend the community centre at the park.

The extension included a new children's centre, which offers nursery facilities, health and ante-natal services, family support and employment training.

Breightmet ward member, Cllr John Byrne, said: "This is shocking. I will speak to the police about it and see if they can do extra patrols.

"At the moment, there is a 1.2-metre fence around the area, but if this continues we may have to look at something more secure."

A police spokesman said: "Just after 6pm on Friday, we received a report of youths drinking alcohol and being abusive in Leverhulme Park.

"Officers attended the scene at 7pm but the youths were not drinking or being too rowdy."