A VOLUNTEER group has been left upset after trees in Bolton’s ‘newest’ country park were destroyed.

The Friends of Cutacre Country Park in Over Hulton say that 27 out of 83 trees were destroyed on the park’s community orchard during a maintenance programme to create public access.

The trees were planted six years ago by children as part of the City of Trees project.

John Bullen of Friends of Cutacre Country Park said: “These trees were planted by primary school children, they loved it and were so proud of what they had created.

“What can we say to these lovely kids now that a major developer has let them down so badly?

“How can we expect them grow up community-minded when this has happened.

“Our experience through Cutacre is that Section 106 stipulations in Bolton count for nothing.

“They are worthless, it is no wonder people are so sceptical when it comes to promises from major developers.”

Mr Bullen believes that what could have been a “superb community asset” has now been “ruined.”

But Harworth Estates, no longer owns the land and as such is unable to undertake any repair work.

A spokesperson said: “Harworth has engaged with the Friends of Cutacre Country Park and informed them that it does not own the land on which the community orchard is located, and as a result is unable to assist with tree planting in that location.

“As the master developer of the wider Logistics North development, Harworth has offered to make a donation to the Friends of Cutacre Country Park once an agreement has been reached with the landowner in relation to the management of the orchard.”

The new owner of part of the land, Peel L&P has now said it hopes to work with residents to find a solution.

Its estates director Rosie Wilson said: “We understand residents’ concerns about Cutacre Country Park and now we have acquired some of the site, we’re looking forward to working with the community to maintain and enhance these areas of the park as an important and well-loved local asset.

“This will include allowing residents to take over the licence of the community orchard.”

“We take our responsibility as a custodian of this area seriously and want to create a legacy that very much involves the community and complements wider plans for the area including the restoration of Hulton Park.”