INNUMERABLE readers will have enjoyed ex-Bolton Mayor George Brown's hard hitting Farnworth Park letter (August 14).

But how many of our smaller town parks, like Atherton Park for instance, get money spent on them like the important big parks do?

I recall, as an 11-year-old, visiting the local park in 1948 and devouring an Orrsi's ice-cream.

Atherton Park had six large swings, with swings for the smaller children.

Next to the seat on the left, as you entered the park, was a spinning ride, which created centrifugal forces, called the Spider's Web.

A few yards from the Web was a long rocking horse, and the park had, like others, a children's sandpit.

I seem to remember a broken unworkable water fountain, sunken flower gardens with roses and a thatched 'Monkey House', which I am sure Atherton Council elders will remember.

The last time I visited Atherton Park, it seemed pretty bare.

It wasn't a delightful playground to write home about. Few parks around Lancashire today will stand classified as parklands in full bloom.

Mr Kenneth Lucas

Park Road

Hindley