A PLAYGROUND which has suffered at the hands of vandals and fly-tippers over recent years has been removed.

The park, which was located on Shetland Close, Shadsworth, was dismantled by Together Housing staff on Monday as residents who hadn’t been informed about the decision watched.

And now those living in the area said the removal of the park, which Together Housing has no plans to replace, is just ‘yet another blow’ for children living on the estate.

James Kane, who lives a short walk away from the playground, said he was frustrated by the actions of others.

He said: “I have two young children and used to use the park regularly. A while ago, access was blocked off and the gates were locked and now it's gone.

“Together Housing haven’t told us why, it’s like they don’t care. I understand it was subject to anti-social behaviour at times, but we all hoped we’d be able to start using it again soon, especially with summer just around the corner.”

Members of Shadsworth-based community group Shad Chefs also spoke out about the news, after moderators opened a thread about the loss of the recreational area.

A spokesman said: “It’s a shame because when it was in good condition it was used a lot.

“There is only one park left in Shadsworth now which is the one on Rothesay Road. It is a big loss for the area.”

They added that the park had been locked off for a number of weeks due to safety issues.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Jim Shorrock, who represents the South East Ward, said: “This is a great shame for the area, these mindless vandals have ruined a good thing for many children who used the park.

“As councillors we will be putting pressure on Together Housing to reinstate the feature, but I do understand that from their perspective, it would just be throwing good money after bad."

Andy Nash of Together Housing said: “Together Housing closed the playground on Shetland Close in Shadsworth last May due to the play equipment and safety surfacing not meeting health and safety standards. As well as not being safe, the playground attracted vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The decision was made on safety grounds to remove the playground and create a new grassed area this spring for the community, which will continue to be maintained by Together.”