A PARK on a Leigh housing estate has been branded a 'minefield' by residents as a result of lazy dog owners allowing their pets to foul the play area.

The estate -- on the site of the former Atherleigh hospital -- has a number of swings, character see-saws and a climbing frame.

One angry resident said: "This was once a cracking park for young people and families but they can no longer use it as it is littered with dog dirt.

"The problem has got worse during the bad weather as dog owners don't want to take their pets for long walks. They take them onto the park as it is convenient -- but leave a horrid mess after.

"We've got latch-key dogs here -- professional people who let their dogs out in the morningn when they go to work, and let them back in when they return at night."

Children who once used the park are resorting to play games on the road which is causing distress to residents as a number of cars have been hit with balls and the police have been called.

Locals are also concerned that children who still venture onto the play area will pick up any number of diseases as a result of the dog dirt.