RESIDENTS across the Southern Downs say they are "disgusted" with council's poor efforts to maintain public areas across the region.

Cunningham St families have voiced their frustration, with the council land in the area becoming a haven for snakes and mosquitoes.

Richard Adams, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said residents were fed up with it.

"It's bloody disgusting," he said. "We take pride in our street, keep the lawns and gardens maintained, then there is that mess."

Mr Adams said he feared for the children in the neighbourhood, having found a snake in his yard in the past.

This fear was echoed by fellow neighbours Stacey Bennett and Tony Locke.

"I mow it occasionally because I'm worried about kids being bitten by snakes," Mr Locke said.

"It is not mowed regularly.

"I think it was maybe November it was last done.

"It should be a better priority. You can imagine if everyone left their footpaths and didn't mow them."

Mrs Bennett said her husband mowed the area nearest their yard, as the couple feared for the safety of their three young children.

"It doesn't get maintained at all, and the mosquitoes are really bad," she said.

"We mow the section near our fence just to keep the snakes away from our yard.

"There is a deep pond with water in it which isn't safe and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes."

A spokeswoman for the Southern Downs Regional Council said the area would be mowed in the next fortnight.

The council cited the "peak growing season" and Christmas New Year shut-down for the lack of maintenance.

The spokeswoman said the area was checked every four to six weeks.