PARENTS are allowing their children to play among the rubbish in a derelict filling station, say parish councillors.

Bramhope residents are concerned for the safety of youngsters playing around the former Shell garage, Leeds Road, which was boarded up several months ago.

Parish councillors asked Shell to provide more secure fencing to stop children getting onto the site - but some say parents are aware their children are playing there, and should do something before a child is injured.

Councillor Clive Fox said: "It's surprising that parents don't seem to take the slightest interest in watching their children. When there is a finite number of children, it should be easy to identify who they are."

Youngsters have used wooden boards and other pieces of debris to construct makeshift ramps for their skateboards on the garage forecourt, and some youngsters managed to get into the building itself through the roof.

Residents claim parents are even driving their children to the garage, believing it is a safe place to play. But others say that youngsters in the village have nowhere else to play.

Councillor Geoff Mills said he has heard of a petition circulating the village, calling for better youth facilities. "We have to have some sympathy with the youth in this village, as we have little facilities," he said.

Coun Mills is also chairman of the Bramhope Youth Development Trust - a trust set up to distribute thousands of pounds from the sale of the village youth club.

He suggested setting aside some land in Bramhope for skateboarding.