Bolton: Nixon Triangle residents rally to stop garden sale

The community garden is found just off Nixon Road in Daubhill and according to local families has been well used by children to play in and for community festivities for many years.

But residents were alarmed to hear that the area could be down to be sold off by Bolton Council.

Asif Panchbhaya, of the Nixon Triangle Residents group, said: “This garden means so much to the community, it is used constantly as a play area.

“Over the years we have held community events too many to mention, charity events, Eid celebrations, family celebrations and many more things.

The garden is an important space for children to play in and exercise

“It is the centre of our community and if it is taken away it will be a tragedy!

“The children are very upset, they love to play in the safe environment and if it goes they will just be running around on the busy streets, surely this can't happen.” 

Children have created posters showing how much the garden means to them (Image: (From public))

But members of the community have now rallied to keep the garden in public hands.

Mr Panchbhaya said: “As a community we have started a petition, there are only three small streets in the area and in one evening we have gained 80 signatures.

“We asked each household how many children it would affect, at present we have counted around 125 children.

“This is why we need to save the play area, as potentially 125 children would be playing on the streets instead of the safety of the Community Garden.

“The children have made lots of posters and tied them to the fence of the Community Garden, it is upsetting to read their comments.

“This just shows how much it means to the children and the community.” 

Residents believe up to 125 children regularly use the space

In response Bolton Council says that land sales always consult local ward members and will ensure that there are alternative sites for people to use.

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A spokesperson said: “As part of our Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), we have carried out a review of council owned land and identified sites that could be sold to support valuable frontline services.

“SAMP disposals are an open and transparent process. Before any land is listed for sale, local ward members are consulted, and strict criteria are applied to ensure that the income received outweighs the benefits of retaining the land under council ownership.

“This includes making sure there are suitable alternative sites in the local area for residents to use.

“A guide price is set to ensure the council receives a fair price on behalf of our residents, while the existing planning process will prevent any inappropriate development on the land.”

They added: "In the case of Nixon Road, council officers were only notified that residents used the space for community activities after the normal consultation period associated with land disposals had ended.

“Now that officers are aware of this, they are making enquiries to provide elected members with the facts concerning community use, before any final decision is taken to sell the land.”