ANGRY parents say they have been waiting for ten years for a derelict play area to be transformed.

Residents in Breightmet are demanding answers from Bolton Council about a dilapidated area of parkland, on the Tetbury estate.

Campaigners claim that they were promised nearly £50,000 to revitalise the ailing play area, which runs alongside Breightmet Fold Lane.

But they have been told that earmarked funds are no longer available for the play area.

They are calling for a new injection of cash to improve the parkland, which they describe as a "bombsite."

Mother Jacqueline Fish, aged 48, is leading a quest for better facilities for children in the area.

Mrs Fish, of Tetbury Drive, has two 13-year-old twin daughters, and said: "The place looks like a mess.

"There's nothing there apart from a 6ft metal frame in the middle.

"The kids just sit around on the ground because there's absolutely nothing for them to do.

"People living near Glaisdale Park in Tonge Moor have just had their play area revamped thanks to a £150,000 make-over.

"That's in a similar area of East Bolton and I just hope that cash wasn't earmarked for us over the years."

Concerns are also growing that children were being forced to play in the streets which could lead to a serious accident.

Cllr John Byrne, ward member for Breightmet, called on Town Hall chiefs to improve the derelict parkland.

He said: "This land has become a nightmare over the years and the council needs to find a solution.

"It has become an area for youths to congregate and anti-social behaviour which has caused problems for residents."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "Staff have already been to the site to assess the situation and a report has been compiled stating the position borough wide on play equipment, although we appreciate that there is a need for a detailed review.

"We are anxious that local needs are met and each Area Forum will be assessed separately to allow consultation with the public and ward members, and of course, this area will be included."