Park danger: Lilly Moussa,11, (front) and her mum Karen Moussa complain to councillors Julie Griffiths and Leo Kelly (rear) about the unsafe condition of Glenwood Drive Park. Picture: Carlos Furtado
RESIDENTS in Glenwood say poor maintenance by a contractor is causing their popular park to be overrun snakes, rats and insects.
They claim the ground at Glenwood Park Drive has been damaged by the heavy mowing tractor used and cut grass and rubbish were not collected for up to four weeks.
Karen Moussa told councillors Leo Kelly and Julie Griffiths recently that the park was becoming dangerous for children and dogs.
She is very worried as the grass, shrubs and weeds are now higher than a toddler because of the wet weather.
Mrs Moussa is also unhappy about the cut grass, weeds and rubbish being left in the park, saying it is attracting rats.
Cr Kelly said he raised the concerns with Blacktown Council's maintenance unit chief on the poor condition of this park and other parks and was told the services of some errant contractors had been terminated.
"I have suggested council consider using its own employees with suitable equipment deployed at popular parks to avoid any embarrassment," Cr Kelly said.
"As Sydney Water also maintains the Glenwood park because of its drainage system, I have suggested that council could improve efficiency by co-ordinating with Sydney Water.
"Blacktown Council shouldn't be blamed for the failings of an incompetent contractor or organisation."
Ms Griffith said if a contractor couldn't do the job then council employees should be used.
"A resident told me the park looked great when it was previously maintained by council workers," she said. "Now it's a disgrace."
A council spokeswoman said anyone with a grass cutting, park and reserve maintenance complaint should report to the customer service officer.
She confirmed the council last year terminated the contract of one of the main grass cutting contractors because of substandard work.