DISCARDED rubble and vandalised fences are being removed from Blackbird Leys Park amid claims that parts of the green space are not safe for children.

About 150 local youngsters from the Oxford Blackbirds and Greater Leys youth football clubs train in the park once a week.

Joint changing rooms, showers and a tuck shop backing onto the park were put up about a year ago.

But according to Greater Leys Youth Football Club welfare officer Ian Fieldwick, they have yet to be used. He said: “We want to promote the area and do tournaments but we’re worried about the state of the environment.

“There are two skips full of rubbish, broken fences, rocks and stones all over the place and a dirt mound.

“They’re not older kids playing out there, they’re six, seven, eight, nine and 10.

“We don’t think it’s fit, proper or safe to use.”

Vandals have recently pulled down fences in one corner of the park behind the Leys Pools and Leisure Centre.

The issue was due to be resolved yesterday ((19/08)).

Nearby, a large mound of rubble and stone has been present on the site since the construction of the centre last year.

According to Oxford City Council, this will be cleared next month.

Mr Fieldwick, 55, of Hobby Court, added: “We had numerous conversations for months with the council to try and get it fixed, and had promises that things would be done.

“It should have been fixed already. Our football season starts in the second week of September.

“In the present state we can’t open the changing rooms and allow kids out there when it’s that dangerous.”

City council spokesman Tom Jennings said on Tuesday: “A fence has been vandalised and we are sending someone down to remove the broken part and fix the fence tomorrow.

“We would encourage members of the public to report vandalism to the council – they can do so on our website.

“Ultimately, the fencing and mound will be removed to create a grass area for the community, starting in September.”

In June, a row of silver birch trees in the park was also destroyed by vandals just two months after they were planted.

Each one is set to be replaced at a cost of £300.

Park warden Chris Bell said: “People don’t vandalise stuff when they think someone is watching – it often happens in the dark and is very frustrating.

“We are liaising with police and they have been very helpful.”