PLANS to build an outdoor games areas for children have been shelved over fears it would attract yobs.

Councillors rejected proposals for the multi-use games areas in Brazley Park, Horwich, despite a residents’ group winning funding for it.

In a tight vote, Liberal Democrats and Conservatives backed several residents in Ainsworth Avenue who told Bolton Council’s planning committee how anti-social behaviour on the estate would worsen if the games area was approved.

Resident Keith Stewart said: “We already have a lot of nuisance at the moment, like noise until 3am. I can’t see any reason why this wouldn’t continue.”

Mr Stewart said the park was already plagued by vandalism, teenage drinking and heavy traffic. He said either land in nearby Cedar Avenue or the college field were more suitable locations.

The games area would be a 29-metre by 18-metre stretch of asphalt with markings to allow football, basketball, netball and other games to be played on it.

A three-metre fence was also planned behind each goal with 1.5-metre fencing along the length .

Residents had campaigned for the new games area and Jim Smith led a bid by a residents’ group for cash from Bolton at Home.

He told the committee: “There are no facilities for youths and the roads on the estate where children play are very busy and used by buses.

“The park is already designated a recreational area and will allow children and young people to play safely and be more active.”

But Liberal Democrat Cllr Barbara Ronson said: “It’s a misconception that if you give children an area to kick a ball about in that will remove the problems. A lot of the games some play aren’t to do with football. It’s called ‘Annoy the neighbours’.”

Cllr Andy Morgan added: “It would be cheek-by-jowel with the residents. We should look for a more suitable site.”