THE news that a children's playground in Daisy Hill, Westhoughton, has been almost totally wrecked by vandals, as we reported last night, must have left parents shaking their heads in disbelief.

Not only have the culprits spoiled the fun of hundreds of local youngsters, they have struck at a playground recently refurbished at a cost to the council and, ultimately, us the taxpayers.

Now the park may have to be closed down forever. If so this is grave news, for it means that once again the mindless minority will have won, leaving the law-abiding majority to suffer.

We hope the cash can be found to repair the playground for the sake of future generations.

Otherwise, years of enjoyment for local youngsters will have been wiped out by minutes of moronic destruction. Unchained We welcome the decision to end the disgraceful practice of shackling women prisoners taken to hospital to give birth.

Home Secretary Michael Howard has also ruled that prison officers will not be present in the delivery room, and prisoners taken to hospital for ante-natal checks will have their "restraints" removed, unless there is a high risk of escape.

We reiterate our view that the handcuffing of women in labour was degrading and uncivilised. Mr Howard has acted not a moment too soon. Back home HOW wonderful to see little Ross Hindry - the Bolton baby who had to be ferried 85 miles to Nottingham because of a shortage of local hospital beds - back home.

The six-week-old was not expected to survive his ordeal. Mum and dad Joanne and Ross took two photographs as they feared the pictures may have been the only mementos of their son.

As reported last night, though, battler Ross is recovering well and his parents can now look at those photos as a reminder of how close to tragedy they were.

We are delighted Ross has made such a good recovery and wish the whole family well.

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