CHILDREN using a new games area in Stacksteads are being put at risk after fly-tippers targeted the area, a leading councillor warned today.

The new multi-use games area, off Newchurch Road, has become a dumping ground for fly-tippers with shards of glass strewn on the land.

The games area was opened earlier this year but Stacksteads ward councillor Christine Lamb said the area has now become an eyesore and could be dangerous for children falling on to the glass.

Coun Lamb said: "It looks like someone is renovating a house, and dumping all the rubbish next to the new games area.

"There is a fridge freezer, an exercise bike, glass patio doors with glass all over the place and lots of household rubbish, plus a mound of soil and broken paving.

"Fly-tipping is a real problem in the area but to purposely fly-tip in an area which has been developed to help give youngsters in Stacksteads somewhere to go is awful.

"I have reported this to the council, who have new powers to tackle fly-tipping under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005."

The park, at the rear of the Rose and Bowl, which includes a skateboard and BMX ramps, was built as part of a £1.2million project to help provide somewhere for children to hang out throughout Rossendale. Council chiefs say their new team of grimebusters' Claire Angus, Catherine Taylor, Aled Thomas and David McChesney will target the valley's grotspots including the site in Stacksteads.

Officers will also be carrying out enforcement action and will issue fixed penalty tickets to crack down on people who drop litter, fly-tip or allow dogs to foul in public places.