THE grandad of an eight-year-old Leyland schoolgirl is calling on council chiefs to clean up a park near his home where the youngster fell and cut her arm on broken glass.

Retired fitter John Hankin, of Canberra Road, Leyland, had to spend four hours in casualty on Monday after grandaughter Rosie Hiles suffered glass cuts on the play area at Turpin Green Lane.

She had gone to the park with her grandad at about 3pm, but had to cut her playtime short after just half-an-hour after falling off a swing.

Although the play area has a wood-chipped surface to prevent injuries to children, the youngster fell on large chunks of broken glass which were embedded into the soft ground.

John believes the dangerous pieces of glass were left by teenage hooligans who often congregate on the park to drink bottled beers and spirits.

He said: "The glass is not just broken bits it's actually stuck up out of the ground and looks like it's been put there deliberately.

"Lads aged about 15 or 16 break the bottles and there's glass all over the place. On Mondays a council man comes and cleans up the place but it's impossible to get it all out.

"I don't know why they do it. It's callous and vindictive. But whose selling them this alcohol? That's what I'd like to know.

"I know there isn't much for them in Leyland and I understand parents can't follow their children round 24-hours a day but something has got to be done."

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, who is responsible for Leyland Central, said: "There is a big review of play fields. We have spent a lot of money on this park and now I'm concerned about its future. And it's not just this one, Bent Lane recreation ground is just as bad. I know that children have been picking up dog faeces and putting it onto the climbing frame.

"The fact that there's nowhere else to go is a valid fact but not an excuse.

"I have spoken to community services about this matter."

What do you think should be done? Does the blame lie firmly with the offenders, the parents or the council? Maybe you are experiencing similar problems. Write in to our newsdesk, Preston Citizen, 3 Winckley Court, Winckley Square, Preston, PR1 3JJ, and let us know your opinions.

Pictured is John with eight-year-old Rosie.