A PARK hit by a spate of vandal attacks is to get a £50,000 revamp.

Council bosses will repair damage caused by gangs of rioting teenagers at Farnworth Central Park.

It means fire-hit public benches, broken railings and cast iron plant holders will be replaced by teams of workers from Bolton Council.

Flower beds which border the entrance to the park on Bolton Road will be replanted and damaged footpaths will be relaid to attract visitors back to the park.

Noel Spencer, ward member for Farnworth, said: "We were becoming concerned about the park's decline, so we welcome this package of improvements.

"The park has suffered a lot over the years but hopefully this will restore it to its former glory."

It is hoped the revamp will be finished in time for the visit of the Duke of Gloucester, who arrives at Farnworth Park on April 27.

The 51-year-old Duke, grandson of George V and a first cousin to the Queen, will attend a ceremony to rededicate names of war dead after the town's war memorial was twice desecrated by vandals.

He is also set to open Queensbridge Primary School, in St Germain Street, Farnworth, which opened following a merger between Queen Street Primary School and Bridgewater Nursery in April last year.

During the last 12 months, large crowds of youths have been using the park as a meeting point, leaving a trail of destruction behind.

Councillors have asked police to patrol the park during the evenings to drive away the troublemakers.

The attacks have declined this year and Farnworth councillors hope the improvement work will survive unscathed.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "There is work being carried out near the entrance to the war memorial and on the paths.

"We also have a bid in for Neighbourhood Renewal Funding to do some work to the trees and the paths' infrastructure."