A MOTHER has expressed concern for the safety of her two-year-old daughter as rubbish and dog dirt continues to be left along a footpath near her home.

Dawn Bramham walks along the path that runs around the back of The Crescent, near the Ashlands Training Centre, Northallerton, every day with her daughter Sophie.

She said she has had enough of the dirt, broken glass and rubbish that builds up every year and believes it could be harmful to youngsters who walk along the path.

Last year, she complained about the state of the walkway to Broadacres Housing Association, which is responsible for keeping it clear.

"It is such a well-used route and it is covered in rubbish. Last year I remember finding needles lying around and there is always dog mess," said Mrs Bramham.

"I used to walk along that path a few times a day, but now I tend to take the long route round because I don't want my daughter picking up anything or falling down.

"We shouldn't have to put up with it - it is absolutely disgusting. Bins should be made available for the mess and it should be cleared up."

Broadacres had planned to clear the path last Tuesday, but a spokewoman for the association said that wasn't possible and that the job was on its list of priorities.

"We do try to clean the path on a regular basis, but it is made difficult if people continue to drop their litter and have no regard for the area," she said.

"The path is no worse than any other in the vicinity, but we will be looking at ways to improve the facilities along it. We will look at working together with the council to make improvements."