'UPSET' residents have hit back after a children’s play park was removed without warning.

The play area in Back Lane in Baxenden has had all its equipment torn from the ground and taken away.

Alex Chadwick, organiser of the areas neighbourhood watch scheme, said people in the area are 'furious.

The mother-of one said: "There's been children turning up at the playground and bursting into tears when they see its not there.

"Parks like this are at the heart of the community.

"We know it needed some work on it, but the fact they just removed it without consultation or warning, I'm furious.

"We want to try and raise some funds and get a replacement installed there."

Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, had no idea the park was to be removed.

He had recently called for money to be invested in the site to improve the ‘dilapidated’ area.

He said: “I was very disappointed and shocked to find out the park had gone, I only discovered it when I saw an image on Facebook.

"I was also disappointed that we were not consulted about it.

"A lot of people have been very upset about its removal.

"The council just told us that it was dangerous."

The playground included swings, slides and roundabouts for children to use.

A public meeting has been arranged for Friday at the Bay Horse in Manchester Road, Baxenden from 6pm for anybody who wants to help with the park.

Cllr Hurn said it will be to see what the feeling is from the public about the area, but he would like to see something done in the area.

He said: "Children in the area are bored and they need something to do and somewhere to go.

"I was hoping that with a bit of work we would be able to make it a safe place again and have something for children young and old.

Cllr Ken Moss, cabinet member for parks and leisure on Hyndburn Council, said the park had been there 'for a good 20 years' and it was time to remove it.

He said: “The park has come to the end of its life and that is the reason for its removal.

"We can't afford to replace it, it's part of a move across the borough in recent year to remove some of the smaller parks.

"There are no plans to replace it but we will be looking to use money to improve Baxenden recreational ground."

Last month Hyndburn Council confirmed it would provide £1,500 of funding for fencing at the recreational ground to stop travellers.