TRUSTEES say their efforts to preserve a war memorial ground and protected wildlife site are being buried under a mountain of litter.

Problems with teenagers leaving piles of bottles and cans, together with persistent dog fouling is causing a serious blight at both Feniscowles and Pleasington War Memorial Recreation Ground in Livesey Branch Road and the Queen Elizabeth II Biological Heritage Site next to it, according to trustees.

The trustees of the memorial ground, dedicated to those lost in the First World War, and the heritage site, a protected wildlife area, have spoken out in an appeal to visitors to help stamp out the problems they are experiencing.

Chairman of the heritage site Brian White said: “As well as a problem with vandalism, the problem with litter is such that we are disgusted at the state people visiting the sites leave them in.

“At the moment they are used as dumping grounds for empty cans, crisp packets and bottles at weekends. By Monday a lot has usually accumulated.

“There are certain dog walkers who feel that it is their right to allow their pets to drop their faeces and leave it there even though there are dog bins.

“The recreation ground was bequeathed in memory of those who lost their lives in the Great War and was intended for the benefit of the community.”