A primary school is celebrating after an application for changes to a playground with serious subsidence was approved.

St Stephen and All Martyrs CE Primary School applied for planning permission for the work on March 4.

The primary school's application for changes to the playground, between the building on Radcliffe Road and the bank of the River Tonge, came after serious subsidence left a supporting wall close to collapsing onto the public path below.

St Stephen and All Martyrs CE Primary School's plan is to lower the supporting wall, which was part of what was Lever Bridge School, and to take the opportunity for a "much-needed makeover". It was approved by Bolton Council this month.

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Rebecca Unsworth, who is the headteacher of St Stephen and All Martyrs, said: "We are beyond excited our outdoor space is getting a much-needed makeover. Our children deserve the best and we are aiming to extend this to our outdoor space.

"We have a vision for our outdoor learning space and we are lucky to have been supported by the Chadwick Trust Charity, who have provided some funding to develop the outdoor learning space into a Science Zone, where we will be able to deliver Forest School provision."

The Bolton News: The subsidence left a supporting wall close to collapsing

Although the school has been supported by the Chadwick Trust Charity it is in need of additional funding to do all it wants to do to the playground.

The SSAM Stars, who are a small group of parents and staff, are working on this on behalf of the school.

ALSO READ: Bolton schools to benefit from Condition Improvement Fund.

Mrs Unsworth said: "SSAM Stars are a small group of parents and a couple of members of staff who are working tirelessly to try to think of ways to raise funds. They are organising a couple of events and are planning more as we move into the summer term.

"If you are or you know of a business or individual who is able to offer a prize, gift or even a donation, they would love to hear from you. After all it takes a village to raise a child."

Supporters can contact St Stephen and All Martyrs on 01204 333155 or SSAMstars@ssam.bolton.sch.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.