SEVERAL dog litter bins have been vandalised leaving bags of rubbish strewn across public spaces in Radcliffe.

Damaged litter bins in Festival Gardens have been reported by residents and councillors alike.

Bury Council said it would clean up the mess and the waste bins would be replaced when the money becomes available.

Councillor Rhyse Cathcart said: "The dog litter bins in Festival Gardens were vandalised at the weekend.

"It is disappointing because, beyond the cost to the council, it is an act of mindless vandalism that shows little self respect, and or respect for our town and our neighbourhoods.

"We can speculate all we like about who has committed these offences and we will never really know.

"I would just ask those people who did this to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they feel proud of themselves.

"The people of Radcliffe are proud people. Over the past year, the community has held a number of community clean ups because they care about where they live.

"If anyone knows who did this they can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers."

Residents took to social media to complain about the issue, with some describing the bins as "rotting and falling over", and calling for them to be replaced.

A dog litter bin was vandalised at a green space off Bolton Road at the end of January this year, leaving bags of rubbish strewn across the ground.

A council spokesman said: "Frankly, we have no idea why someone would want to vandalise a dog waste bin, but it is another example of an irresponsible minority damaging facilities that local people value; and, of course, pay for through their taxes."