Horwich Town Councillor John Cronnolley is continuing to fight the cause for the much-needed renovation of Old Station Park.

Along with other local councillors, Mr Cronnolley has been campaigning for funds to modernise the aging facilities at the Chorley New Road park for almost two years.

He is concerned that if nothing is done soon, local youngsters will have nowhere to go. The £100,000 all-weather football pitch has drastically deteriorated since it was installed ten years ago and the fencing surrounding the area is also in need of repair.

Play equipment and basketball courts were installed as part of Bolton Council's efforts to compensate for the amenities lost when Horwich RMI's ground was sold and moved to Leigh Centurians' Hilton Park, but Mr Cronnolley claims more needs to be done.

He said: "The pitch was great when it was first built and has defini

tely given its money's worth, but through wear and tear it's become a mess and is in desperate need of repair.

"The problem is, the more you develop an area, the more it needs looking after and here the only solution seems to be to rip it up and replace it completely."

Old Station Park is run by Horwich Leisure Centre and since the centre is also awaiting refurbishment, it could be a while before the park is updated.

Cllr Cronnolley said: "Our main concern is that, with the pitch crumbling away, the youngsters won't have anywhere to go, which could put them back on the streets."

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by Teri Jones