HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds are to be spent on transforming parks for children across Bolton.

More than £350,000 will be splashed out on eight sites, with many being totally rebuilt.

There are 119 play parks in the borough and those chosen were shortlisted for works after safety assessments and consultation with residents.

Some will get new swings and slides, others will get more safety turf. Old, unsafe equipment will also be removed from some sites. Five playgrounds are to be totally replaced, three will get improvements and another five are under consultation for future work.

The council said the parks in Bolton are very popular and have an excellent safety record. An inspection team keeps all 500 swings, slides and other equipment clean and safe on a daily basis and there are few reported accidents.

The park at Ainsworth Avenue, on the Brazley estate, Horwich, is one of the sites chosen for improvements. It will receive £34,000.

Cllr Bob Ronson said: "This seems like a very good idea as our parks have been neglected for some years. There have been cuts in the past and the council did not have the cash to carry out repairs."

Executive member for Direct Services, Cllr Donald Grime, said the latest improvement programme will help to maintain those standards.

"Play areas are one of the most important facilities provided by Bolton Council in its parks," he said. "The condition and safety of them are of the utmost concern to us.

"We welcome the views of residents about these facilities and we do our best to respond to them.

"However, quality equipment does not come cheap, and by utilising external funding sources whenever possible, we are getting the best deal for the people of Bolton."

WHICH PARKS WILL BENEFIT?

Davoke Grove, Dixon Green - £75,000

Devonshire Road playing fields - £50,000

Great Lever park - £50,000

Hatfield Road park - £50,000

Ainsworth Avenue/Brazley Estate in Horwich - £34,000

Ellesmere Gardens, Dixon Green - £10,000

St John's Road, Chew Moor - £10,000 and Umberton Park, Over Hulton - £10,000.

Other play areas under consultation for future works include Farnworth Park, Myrrh Street in Halliwell, Sunnyside Mills in Daubhill and Victory Street/Marshfold Lane. The council will also spend £5,000 removing unsafe equipment from another nine play areas. External funding has been secured for most of the work from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.