Residents have branded a Darlington children’s play park a “disgrace” after waste was found dumped across the area.

Images of North Lodge Park show rubbish such as cans, plastic bottles and carrier bags strewn across the playground.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson said the park is inspected on a weekly basis, and added any waste found in the play area at this time is cleared.

The Northern Echo: Waste found littered at North Lodge Park in Darlington Credit: STEVEN ATKINS

They said: “The play area at North Lodge Park is inspected on a weekly basis. As part of the inspection the equipment and surfacing is checked to ensure it is safe to use by complying to relevant play standards. Any litter or broken glass that is found within the play area at the time will also be cleared.

“The bins within the park and play area are emptied weekly on a Wednesday. However, when issues are phoned in, as was reported on Monday (13 May), Street Scene staff will attend the same day to clear any rubbish.

“A CCTV camera monitors the play area, and any issues relating to anti-social behaviour identified by control room operatives will be reported to Durham Police and our civic enforcement officers.”

The Northern Echo: Waste found littered at North Lodge Park in Darlington Credit: STEVEN ATKINS

Residents reacted to the images, which were circulated online, with anger, while others said they were “disgusted” at the state of the area.

One resident said: “I wouldn’t let the kids play down there in that.

“It’s getting worse, used to be a nice park that, didn’t it?”

Another resident said: “You wonder what the culprits houses look like if they can leave a park in that kind of mess.”

While another resident said: “Going for a mess about down the park sure has changed in terminology.”

The Northern Echo: Waste found littered at North Lodge Park in Darlington Credit: STEVEN ATKINS

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According to one resident, the mess has since been cleared by the council.

They said: “The council have been out this morning and cleared all the rubbish up and the grass has been cut.

“I know people have a go at the council but the lads have done a brilliant job cleaning other people's crap up.”