RESIDENTS claim contractors replacing fencing in front of their homes left it in a dangerous condition over the weekend.

They say the barrier which guards six private homes in Greendale, Atherton, from a 10ft drop, is a joke and safety hazard for children who are able to climb through the rails.

Houseproud spokesman Mrs Mel Roach, who has lived there for four years, said: "We were told that we could have like for like fencing at the front of our houses, although the rest of Atherton has had much better fencing erected. The mesh that has been put on has been left with jagged edges and a length has not been finished.

"It is dangerous and we have been left with no protection from a very high drop at the highest point.

"This is not just a one off complaint, this has been on-going for a long time and we are sick to death of it.

"We have also asked Wigan Council to remove the bollards at the bottom indicating a no through road and fence it off to prevent off road bikes riding down and endangering any members of the public or our children who are down there and to encourage people to use the pathway under the bridge in the hope that our cars would be more protected.

"In the time I have lived here the only improvement I have seen in this area is extra lighting under the bridge on the pathway to Spa Road.

"We are not asking for a lot. It is no joke to look out of our kitchen windows and see this horrible view. We care about our homes, we care about Atherton and these six houses have been left behind in the scheme of things."

A council spokesman said: "We understand the concern, The fence was left in a state that is not ideal. We have been in touch with the contractor and have been assured the work will be carried out right away and to a good standard which will address the concerns. This work is not part of the councils homes regeneration scheme."