TRAFFORD'S Labour and Conservative councillors are in dispute over the state of the borough's parks.

Labour councillor and shadow spokesman for environment and operations, Cllr Steve Adshead, has has described recent changes to the way Trafford's parks are managed as a 'cut too far'.

"I’ve been besieged with complaints from all over the borough," said Cllr Adshead.

Citing Stretford's Gorse Hill Park as an example, the Stretford Ward councillor said bins are 'overflowing' with rubbish.

"Our staff are hardworking and dedicated, but there’s a limit to how much they can do faced with huge cuts to both budgets and staffing levels."

He added: "The current situation is simply not acceptable and we are demanding action from Trafford Council to sort this appalling mess out."

But the Conservatives have hit back, executive member for environment and operations, Cllr John Reilly, hit back, accusing Labour of misrepresenting the situation.

He said: "Whilst there have been some complaints about environmental issues, these are dealt with as promptly as possible and are seen as positive feedback that helps the council improve its services.

"It is not a fair representation to say the council has been 'besieged' by complaints.

"I visit many of our parks on a regular basis and the Armageddon inferred is simply not the reality of the situation on the ground."

Cllr Reilly pointed to Halecroft Park, in Hale Barns, as an example of a a thriving park and said there had also been positive feedback about Gorsehill Park.

"Both areas have praised the efforts of Trafford Council’s skilled horticultural teams in addressing these concerns and improving the look of the parks," he said.

"Trafford has also introduced a number of successful initiatives including the ‘Be Responsible’ campaign to promote environmental awareness including encouraging dog owners to clean up after their animals.

"Furthermore, the leader of the council, Cllr Sean Anstee, is actively engaging and working in partnership with 'Friends of Parks' groups to improve the borough’s parks."

A spokesman for Trafford Council added: “Trafford is committed to providing a good standard of environmental services and will strive to continually improve the borough’s parks for the enjoyment of residents."