RESIDENTS campaigning for barriers to keep rowdy yobs out of a nearby car park claim the council has reneged on a promise to help

Problems of late night noise from youths congregating on the King Street car park leading onto Central Park have plagued neighbours for years.

But the situation has reached the point where residents are now struggling to sleep through the din being created.

The plight of residents was featured in Down Your Way and Bolton Council responded by promising to act.

But now further correspondence has left neighbours claiming the council's reluctance to do anything is the only barrier currently being put up.

A residents' spokesman said: "The council said they would be putting up a barrier on the car park to prevent youths from getting on it at nights. But now officers are saying they would never have a barrier on the site. They seem to be reneging on a promise.

"The problem with youths isn't getting any better. If anything, it is getting worse.

"This street is being used by cars racing up and down it to the car park.

"Once parked up they are revving their engines and playing loud music.

"They must be reaching speeds of 60 mph down our street.

"The other night it was horrendous.

"Some of us work shifts, but cannot sleep when we desperately need to.

"Surely the council can do something. A barrier would put an end to our problems.

"But failing that why doesn't the council take proper action? Fines or the threat of jail would stop them."

Town Council leader, Cllr David Wilkinson, has written to the council's acting director of leisure services, Mr John Shepley on behalf of the residents.

Echoing their concerns, he writes: "Groups of teenagers gather in cars, revving car engines and playing loud music and several of these youngsters use King Street as a racetrack, creating a road safety issue.

"I have been contacted by local residents who were given an assurance by one of your officers that a barrier would be placed at the entrance of the car park.

"But I have seen a copy of a letter from you directly contradicting this officer saying a barrier would not be placed there on the grounds that someone may be accidentally locked in the car park.

"I am disappointed with this attitude towards the residents who have suffered from these problems. It is clear that the Council is failing in its duty to stop the use of its property for criminal and antisocial behaviour and to prevent these problems being inflicted upon residents who live near to council property. "I would therefore be most obliged if gates could be provided at this entrance to secure the car park together with a sign which will warn any member of the public that the car park would be closed and locked after a certain time.

"You will be aware The Avenue entrance to the park received gates and ornamental railings and that a barrier was placed at the Park Terrace entrance to secure the park from the misuse of people in vehicles.

"Concerning the King Street frontage, this is long overdue for improvement. It currently consists of clapped out iron railings and a privet hedge and this frontage could be substantially improved by placing ornamental-style railings similar to those on The Avenue entrance."

Mr Shepley has pledged to take action and in his reply said: "I am aware of certain problems with the park and this particular entrance. Any contradiction between staff is most unfortunate and I'll try and retrieve the position. Let me see what can be done to help."