A RESIDENT says vandalism has left a once-popular children’s play area virtually unusable.

Fulzar Ahmed (pictured) said the playground in Burgess Field, off Highfield Lane, Keighley, had been in a sorry state for months.

He said he first witnessed the extent of the damage about three months ago, and noticed last week that nothing had changed.

“It’s in a very bad condition, with one seat burned, swings taken away and litter and graffiti everywhere,” he said.

“The area is very popular with families and children, especially in the summer months and it needs sorting out.”

Mr Ahmed, who lives near Burgess Field, added that he had informed Bradford Council of the problem.

Amjid Ahmed, of the Friends of Burgess Field group, said the state of the playground was one of the reasons the group was set up last year.

Mr Ahmed, who is also a Keighley town councillor, said he and his colleagues would be holding a meeting in Highfield Community Centre at 6pm on Monday, March 23 and welcomed participation from anyone else willing to get involved.

A spokesman for the Council said: “The play area in Burgess Fields has been suffering from a high level of vandalism and We are working closely with neighbourhood officers to combat the problem and are currently considering repair options.”

“The seats have previously been replaced and We are currently considering repair options.”