HOMOSEXUALS are using one of Leyland's few beauty spots as a venue for casual sex, claim worried residents.

Locals visiting Worden Park contacted the Citizen expressing their disgust when they heard - and in some cases say they saw - the park's public toilets being used for 'cottaging'.

The toilets, surrounded by trees, are just yards away from the popular children's play area.

One disgusted mother, who declined to be named, said: "My children play in this park a lot of the time and seeing it used as a place for such acts appals me.

"I dread to think what would happen if my children were to walk in and see it happening."

Another parent added: "I know of children who have found used condoms in the area around the gents toilets."

County Councillor Tim Farron said: "I am aware of several locations in the area which are affected and it only takes common sense to realise the park is a place where this activity can take place.

"For a lot of men, who are afraid to 'come out of the closet', it is the only option.

"It shouldn't happen in the public arena."

Worden Park has also had to deal with the problems of a serial flasher, who exposed himself to several Runshaw College students last year as well as a male stalker.

A spokeswoman for South Ribble Borough Council said it wasn't a problem they were aware of.

She said: "We have wardens who talk to people on the park and if they hear anything the police are called in.

"They will be even more vigilant than before now as this sort of thing cannot be tolerated."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.