A group of mums say they are doing the council's work after a summer of picking up glass, rubbish and even used condoms from a children’s play park.

Just weeks after a mother spoke of her horror after her son fell onto a needle in the park in Lower Road, parents are concerned about the state of North Preston play area.

Mum-of-three Sara Payne, of Goldfinch Close, says she has found used condoms just yards from play equipment and mum of twins Julia Robinson, of Ospringe Road, filled an entire plastic bag of smashed glass on the first day of term.

Both of their children go to Davington School, where lots of youngsters flock to the play area as soon as the bell rings for the end of the day.

Sara said: “I use the park at least once a week and every single time I go there I am picking up mainly pieces of glass and rubbish. It’s disgusting, but we have seen used condoms there too.

“We have found needles near to the bushes around the outside of the park.

“My little one cut his finger on a bit of glass there the other day so I’m not sure I’m going to go back.

"It's disgusting, but we have seen used condoms there too. We have found needles near to the bushes around the outside of the park" - Sara Payne

“If it’s not me, it’s another mother.

“It isn’t usually this bad but all summer it has been awful.

“It’s not just the park. It is all over the estate and it is not just the children we need to worry about. There are dogs walking about and they could hurt their paws.

“It doesn’t seem like the council are doing anything at all. They need to have better patrols.”

Julia added: “Kids fall over. That’s a fact.

“But they should be safe in a play park like this and it is worrying that there is a great deal of broken glass which they could fall on and seriously hurt themselves. It seems to have got worse and worse.

“The real problem is the broken glass but we have also found cigarette butts and empty beer cans.

“I have tried to report it to the council but the phone just rings and rings and you’re spending an hour of your time on the phone or can’t get to the right person to speak to.

“I think we may need some more bins, possibly some more signs to warn about fines. This is such a lovely area and it is a shame it is being ruined by a small minority.

“It seems to be worse since the new exercise equipment was installed.”

Swale Borough Council spokesman Phil Sutcliffe said: "The play area is currently litter picked five times a week including Saturday and Sunday mornings, and is also visited by our environmental wardens at least twice a week.

“We have had no reported issues with litter raised at the play area this summer, from either residents or our grounds maintenance contractor.

“If anyone does have concerns about the cleanliness of a play area, we urge them to contact us so we can respond appropriately to deal with the issue.

"Now the issue has been brought to our attention we will investigate any additional measures we can put in place."