PARENTS claim a children's play area in Darlington has been ruined by solvent-sniffing youths who leave litter lying around.

They say the area in the Denes has become a no-go area for families because of broken glass, discarded gas canisters and old play equipment.

Members of the town's Liberal Democrat party did a survey of the Pierremont ward and found that the state of the green area in the Denes was the main issue raised by residents.

Lib Dem Mike Barker said: "The one thing they say above all else is that they wish the Denes would be cleaned. The place is a mess. The children's area is pretty decrepit. There are old tins cans, broken glass and a lot of mums don't like to take their young kids."

One mother, who asked not to be named, said she had stopped taking her six-year-old son there because of the 'appalling' state of the play area.

She said: "I think it is filthy and dangerous. I was down there one day and I saw a lad sniffing lighter fuel under the children's climbing frame.

The Lib Dems want the council to renovate all the green alongside Willow Road, including the play area.

Labour councillor Marion Swift said community warden patrols had been increased to try to stop anti-social behaviour from youths.

She said: "There has been a lot of work done and money spent in the Denes. The footpaths have been re-laid and bulbs have been planted. But residents have to take some responsibility and use the bins provided."

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said the area was cleaned two to three times a week and that the issues raised would be covered in a review due to be published shortly.