BROKEN glass, burned woodland, rusted metal and now an open trap door to an underground chamber are blighting a Barrhead playpark.

Last week, Councillor Paul Aitken wrote to the local authority’s director of environment to share residents’ concerns over the state of the area lying at the west boundary of Carlibar Park, just steps away from swings and roundabouts.

He said: “Local teenagers have been setting fire to branches of trees. Even more concerning is the area below the trees, which is covered in all sorts of debris and broken glass.

“The residents believe that this is a blight on the environment and potentially dangerous for their children to play in the area.”

Cllr Aitken was later shown other pictures from the area, including snaps of the mysterious trap door.

He commented: “Frankly, these photographs beggar belief. Young children are being exposed to an open trap door on the border of Carlibar Park, along with the usual broken glass, empty cans and burnt-out tree branches. 

“It is ludicrous that one of Barrhead’s largest parks is in this type of condition.”

A council spokesperson said community safety officers were increasing patrols in the area, adding: “Arrangements have been made to have this disused manhole covered immediately.”