Breightmet: Concerns over delays to transform area into park

Under plans the park would be located on Greenroyd Avenue, overlooking picturesque countryside views of Belmont and the West Pennine Moors.

Local councillor Cllr Adele Warren says that there is not as much green space in this particular part of the area, and she is "disappointed" it is yet to be completed.

Cllr Warren said: “I have been aware of the delays but was reassured that the project would be completed on time, which was the end of March 2024.

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“This area has very little green space that residents are able to access and it’s really important to complete the park as committed to.

“I am committed to continue to highlight this project until it is delivered.”

It comes following the Budget and Spending Review, when the £9m Levelling Up Parks Fund was announced for across the country – allocated by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The funding aimed to support over 100 new parks in 2022 and 2023, to provide access to parks in urban areas most deprived of green space.

The work at the park includes new steps and repairs to existing steps, clearing of undergrowth, levelling and surfacing, tree planting, woodland management work and trimming of hedges.

This is in addition to the resurfacing and widening of paths, the removal of old fence posts, bark paths, more tree planting, bird and bat boxes, seating, and a picnic area provision as well as the addition of handrails.

The council say that there has been an “unexpected delay” in the project, but that work will recommence and be completed shortly.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “The work undertaken at the park at Greenroyd Avenue currently includes new steps and repairs to existing steps, clearing of undergrowth, levelling and surfacing, tree planting, woodland management work and trimming of hedges.

“There has been an unexpected delay in the delivery of this project.

“The work is not complete and planned and budgeted work will recommence and be completed shortly.

“This will include the resurfacing and widening of paths, the removal of old fence posts, bark paths, more tree planting, bird and bat boxes, seating and a picnic area provision as well as the addition of handrails.”

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