LAST Thursday I attended an excellent meeting at the Farmers Arms at Darcy Lever organised by Friends of Leverhulme Park.

It was part of the ongoing battle against Bolton Council's awful scheme to destroy a huge part of Leverhulme Park in order to build a closed cycle track.

I was impressed by the huge amount of work done by the Friends and by the love of the Park, expressed by speakers at the meeting.

The plan includes 1.2m high railings, floodlights and a car park for 40 vehicles. Is that enough? The plan I saw was a little vague, but the local residents are all set to have their home spaces ruined,

Little has been said by the council of the effect on wildlife and the effect on the population of Bolton by the destruction of this fabulous open space. In fact I haven't heard much from the council since the awful meeting when the motion was passed by two and a flood of abstainers.

Yes, all sporting spaces are important and there are many suitable non-green spaces. Sadly no football is played there now. I played there myself for Platt's and Astley Bridge Youth Club in my youth. When football was finished for the day the pitches returned to park spaces.

Urban parks do play a vital role in providing fresh air, exercise, communal experiences and a space to just soak in nature. When you live in a town you need more spaces like this, not fewer.

I hope the council reverses its decision. If not, the fight will go and on.

David Sharples

Tarbet Drive

Breightmet