REAL life 'Stigs of the Dump' are risking their lives by building dens in a make-shift tip and terrorising a quiet Preston district.

Despite the determined efforts of local councillors to keep youngsters away from the land, next to Tulketh Road, Riversway, children are still breaking in and burrowing into a steep embankment - which is made up of loose sand and rubbish - to create hideaway dens.

Around four children cram into a den, from where they throw missiles, made of rubbish, at passers-by.

Pensioners waiting at the nearby bus stop often come under attack.

Riversway councillor Elaine Abbott said: "We all know the risks of burrowing into sand. It is an accident waiting to happen.

"The council has tried all sorts of things to stop the youngsters getting in. Fences have been put up around the site and the dens have been boarded up but, children being children, they always seem to find a way in.

"We even distributed leaflets warning parents of the problem but all we ever get from the parents when we approach them is a mouthful." The land has been neglected for years and is a popular dumping ground for people who can't be bothered visiting local, designated, tips.

And, despite lobbying residents for nearly five years to help solve the problem, Coun Abbott admitted that things seem to be as bad as ever.

She added: "We have had it cleared out several times but the rubbish keeps on accumulating, and because it is open land, it also attracts the children.

"I fear it will take a serious action before parents note what risks their children are taking by building dens in the sand."

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