A SLEDGING haunt, which has been a favourite in Middlewich for over a century, could be closed off by its owner after piles of rubbish were left by tobogganing children.

Geoff Carden, of Bostock House, says children and residents of the town have always been welcome to use the family's land, off Coalpit Lane.

But in recent years people have left rubbish strewn across the hill as well as damaging fences.

And now Mr Carden says he is considering stopping people using the land altogether.

"The mess is absolutely atrocious and I will have to put a stop to it if it is going to continue," he said.

"I don't want to spoil people's fun, but it is the fault of the vandals. They are ruining it for everyone else."

Mr Carden spent hours cleaning up the mess last week that included broken sledges, boxes, pieces of linoleum, a sun lounger, ironing board, and even human faeces.

"It never used to happen, but has got worse and worse over the last three years," said Mr Carden.

"Perhaps parents used to be stricter years ago, but whatever the reason it is disgusting and even dangerous.

"Everyone has been welcome to play here since 1875, but it will have to stop."