Families in Clayton le Moors are speaking out after repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour at Milnshaw Park playground, where young children are reportedly being pushed out by groups of teenagers who swear, vape, and spit in the play area.
The latest incident was shared on the Hyndburn Community Chat Facebook group by local mum Han Stowell, who said her three-year-old daughter was unable to play on the mini playground because a group of young lads was sprawled across the equipment.
When she politely asked them to move, she claims the teens tried to intimidate both her and her toddler, riding their bikes fast in the small space and continuing to swear loudly throughout.
“Absolute animals. Should be able to take my daughter to a park without hearing ‘f**king’ every minute,” Han wrote, later adding that the group had also started spitting. “They are spitting now. It’s awful. I’d be ashamed if it was my kid.”
Han’s post quickly gained traction in the community group, with dozens of local parents sharing similar experiences. Kellyanne Love commented that she had visited the park earlier the same day, and a lad had told her son to get off the swing, claiming it was his.
“I told him to piss off. Starting saying stuff to me, I walked off. Cheeky swines,” she said.
Becka Hope said she was also at the park that day and described the behaviour as rough. “One even said ‘tell my mum, she won’t care,’ and that’s the problem right there,” she wrote, adding that she would not be returning to the park with her children.
Not everyone in the comments was fully in agreement on how the situation was handled. One user, ThoughtfulGrapftuitt19292, pointed out what they saw as hypocrisy among the adults.
“You lot are crying about kids swearing, disrespect and bad behaviour while openly swearing at children yourselves. You’re supposed to be the grown-ups setting the example, not competing with teenagers over who can act worse,” they wrote.
One moment in the thread provided a lighter touch to an otherwise heated debate.
Danielle Louise Denham initially came forward believing her son was one of those pictured, writing a full apology and promising to call him immediately.
Minutes later, she returned to correct herself. “Haha its not even my lad I zoomed in wat a nob,” she laughed.
The moment was warmly received, with many commenters praising her willingness to take accountability even when it turned out to be unnecessary.
The wider discussion touched on a familiar issue, the lack of facilities for teenagers in the area.
Ashleigh Hubberstey pointed out that youth centres have largely been shut down, and there is very little for older kids to do.
Han herself acknowledged this, agreeing that more provision is needed but noting the park already has a tarmac area for football, basketball, and cricket, as well as a bike track.
“They have every right to use the playground also, but not to spit, tie the swings up, vape and swear. Some self accountability has to be taken here also,” she said.
For now, many local parents say they are avoiding Milnshaw Park altogether until something changes.
