Dead animals rotting near children's play area

A blue fence borders the disused land in Kirkby which lies within a residential area

Families in Merseyside say rotting animals, heavy-duty waste and dangerous plants have been found on local wasteland bordering an area where children play.

The disused patch of land, which flanks Didsbury Close in Kirkby, has been the subject of a series of complaints by residents.

Dead cats, mattresses and general debris has been found among 10ft weeds, swarming with flying insects.

Paul, who has friends and family living in the area and is trying to raise awareness of the potential dangers, has described it as an "environmental nightmare".

'Left to fester'

“There’s hogweed, rubbish, beds, and bugs flying around," Paul told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Before the grass became overgrown, you could see dead animals in there. You can smell it.

"It’s an environmental nightmare.”

Paul said people in the local community were angry about the possible hazards, and had been trying to get the landowner to respond to their concerns.

In particular, residents are worried about the reported presence of giant hogweed among the overgrown vegetation - and its potential risk to public health.

“I didn’t know, but apparently hogweed can kill you and give severe burns," said Paul.

While hogweed is generally benign, Heracleum mantegazzianum - also known as Giant hogweed - can grow up to 16ft (5m) tall and can cause severe blistering of the skin due to chemicals in its sap.

Last year, a six-year-old boy was admitted to Arrowe Park Hospital with suspected Giant hogweed-related burns after playing in the sand dunes around Leasowe Bay beach in Wirral.

It has not been confirmed if the plant found in the overgrown wasteland in Kirkby is Giant hogweed, but the reports have left local residents fearful, particularly for children and pets.

Paul acknowledges the financial cost of maintaining land can be challenging, but believes action must be taken to clear the area.

“There’s definitely dead cats in there, as well as rats. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a nesting place for rats - but I can’t prove that because the area is like a jungle right now.

“It has been left to fester."

“I don’t want to cause trouble, I just don’t want the area to be a tip.”