A RUSTY steel spike that left a mum’s leg bloodied has prompted fresh complaints over fencing in Barrhead.

Metal fencing on Stewart Street has become so badly corroded that it has left dozens of broken steel spikes.

This has resulted in vandals levering them out over the pavement, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians.

The poor state of the fencing has resulted in one person being injured so far, with a local mum, who doesn't wish to be named, after sharing pictures of her injuries.

She said: “I was walking along with my kids and the sun was very low, I couldn’t see ahead of me very well.

“I just walked straight into this metal spike.

“I am lucky my leg was covered up, if I had been wearing shorts or something similar then it might not have been the same story.

“What if a child had fallen into it or someone ran into it?

“Someone could have been seriously hurt by it.

“I think something needs to be done about the state of the fencing in this area - it is in a terrible state.”

The fencing borders properties which are mostly owned by East Renfrewshire Council with some owned by private tenants, prompting residents to call for action before the fences become any more dangerous.

The same metal fencing has lined gardens since the homes were built in the 1950s.

In pictures school children can be seen in the background and St John’s Primary School is just yards away.

East Renfrewshire Council has said that it was unaware of the damaged fence.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “This fence had not been reported to the council.

“Thanks for highlighting this to us.

“We are sending out someone to inspect it and will then decide on a course of action.”

The fence is situated near the gardens of houses 73 and 75, and it is not yet clear if the fence is on a private or council property.

The state of Barrhead’s streets has been raised elsewhere in this week’s issue of the Barrhead News.

Local resident Kerris Bone has launched a petition calling for more to be done to stop broken glass and litter finding its way on to the town’s streets.

This came after her dog and several other suffered cut paws.

In Neilston a similar campaign has been launched by the village’s community council.

Their “Less poo, more action” campaign focuses on dog mess and those who risk £100 fines by not cleaning up after their dogs.

Residents have been urged to contact ERC to report dog fouling and street mess, or any broken street furniture, by calling 0800 013 0076 or visiting eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/dogs.”