RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to plans for an outdoor sports pitch being shelved because of fears it would attract yobs.

Grants worth thousands of pounds were up for grabs when Brazley Residents’ Association applied for permission to build the multi-use games area in Brazley Park, Horwich.

But the plans divided opinion among residents of Ainsworth Avenue, where the park is, and the surrounding area.

Ward councillor Steve Rock, who lives opposite the park, campaigned against the proposals and last week they were thrown out by Bolton Council’s planning committee.

Now residents say they are back to square one and have nowhere else suitable for what they claim is a badly needed facility for the community.

Jim Smith, residents’ association chairman, said: “We don’t know where to go next. Brazley Park was ideal because it is already designated leisure use, so this is a blow to the kids and young people.”

Kyle Herrington, aged 14, a Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil, said: “There isn’t much for young people to do and that is why some get mixed up in anti-social behaviour.

“The games area will get teenagers off the street and involved in something positive and safe. I would ask those who made the decision to please think again.”

Rowan Dickson, aged nine, who attends Chorley New Road Primary, said: “It is very unfair on the young people in the area that we are not being given this because of a few children who misbehave.

“We were all looking forward to playing on the pitch.”

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

A three-metre fence was planned for each end to stop balls going into people’s gardens, and Mr Smith said the residents’ association had also explored the possibility of putting up netting.

The scheme would have cost about £60,000, which the residents’ association was confident it could secure in government grants.

However, several other residents signed a petition by Cllr Rock, who told the planning committee that underage drinking, traffic and noise levels would all increase if the plan was approved.

Horwich North East councillor 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’.”