OLDHAM Council bosses were asked whether it was “ready for lawsuits” over a decision to replace a damaged play area surface with sand.

Speaking at a town hall meeting, a concerned resident claimed the sand could pose a safety risk by hiding “used needles”.

The changes to the surface at the play-park, which is located next to St Martin’s School, was criticised by resident Phil Howarth at last week’s meeting of the full council.

But cabinet member for neighbourhood services, Cllr Arooj Shah, defended the move and said the old surface was causing “trip hazards”.

Mr Howarth’s question, read out to the chamber, said the sand posed a danger as dog mess, broken glass and even ‘used needles’ could be concealed.

He demanded councillors in the Medlock Vale ward investigate why the old flooring had been “ripped up”.

“Is this sand going to be covered with a new play surface?,” he asked.

“This will be dangerous if left as sand, due to existing concrete bases being uncovered, dog fouling, broken glass, used needles (could be) hidden – are you ready for lawsuits?”

In response, Cllr Shah said: “Over a number of years the play items have been vandalised and the safety surface has been repaired numerous times but now needs to be removed as it was causing trip hazards and was unsafe.

“All the foundations of the play items have been removed before sand – which is actually recognised as a safety surface – was installed to the depth of 300 millimetres.

“The sand will be raked once a week along with the other sand pits across Oldham.”

She added: “The site has gates to stop dogs accessing the site so we do ask residents to ensure they do not allow their dogs into the site to maintain that safety.”