ANGRY parents have joined local councillors in condemning a vandalised park after a youngster broke her arm when she tripped on an upturned safety mat.

Little Lauren Graham (pictured), four, sustained her injury at the Manor House Lane play area sparking claims Preston's play areas fall well below Health and Safety standards.

And only last week, council workmen removed a roundabout from the park -- only to leave a three-foot metal spike sticking out of the ground.

Now parents and local councillors are calling for something to be done -- claiming that perverts, flashers and drug pushers prey on youngsters because of its secluded location.

Lauren's mother, Joanne Graham, said it won't be long before a child is seriously hurt or even killed.

She said: "Mothers along Manor House Lane think this park is an absolute disgrace. I've never seen anything like it. Children play in this park all the time, and I feel like I have to watch them all the time because I honestly think this play area is dangerous."

Only last week, council workmen removed a roundabout from the park -- only to leave a three-foot metal spike sticking out of the ground. Deepdale councillors Joyce and Terry Cartwight are furious at the council for leaving the park in such a state of disrepair.

Terry stormed: "I have contacted the council on numerous occasions to get this metal spike shifted before someone hurts themselves, but as yet nothing has been done.

"A child could quite easily break bones, chip teeth or worse."

Both Terry and Joyce are now calling for the park to be closed and moved elsewhere on the estate.

"I'm calling on Preston council to close it down," said Terry.

"It's a disgrace. This park and others like it just don't come up to Health and Safety standards -- I'm convinced of it and I will go on record saying just that."

Brian Manning, director of regeneration, community and leisure services at Preston Borough Council, said: "Vandalism is a real problem in the play area.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows these vandals are, or sees anyone damaging the play area, to please contact the police or council."

If there is similar parks or play areas in your area which you think are dangerous, please drop us a line and let us know.

Write to Preston Citizen, Winckley Square. Preston. PR1 3JJ or phone (01772) 255523.