THE idea of a children’s playground in Bolton town centre is not basically a bad one.

There’s not much centrally for youngsters. So the fact that the Council is going to move the three much-loved elephants in Newport Street to the site in front of the Lever Chambers health centre, near the Octagon and shops, is also arguably a very useful move.

What’s disappointing is that here was an opportunity for a really positive play area, something unusual to challenge children’s imaginations. Instead, the plan is for a very traditional layout of slides and walkways that looks frankly boring.

It would have been great if the Council had actually asked local children themselves what they wanted from a new playground. The designs might have been quite fresh and innovative.

It seems to be a chance wasted to create something new, and in keeping with the town centre’s own burgeoning plans.