KNOWING my fondness for Leverhulme Park, on my return from holiday, my sister gave me a copy of The Bolton News story regarding the future management of the Park.

Whether boards of trustee, committees or any other form of management, the main feature should be love and understanding for such a special place and part of our town.

It is valuable for Nature. It is valuable for walks, and for sports and socialising.

However, the park is run, all these items should be considered and its basic structure should be set forever.

Its unique shared qualities with Nature should take precedence whenever we think of the future.

As you stand by the river, you could be many miles from the nearest road.

Wildlife is an integral part of Leverhulme Park and generations have shared special times at there.

The pathways, the open grass spaces, which require constant attention and natural spaces which benefit from re-wilding. Areas parallel to Long Lane, where football was played, have hosted various events such as music festivals. Down into ‘The Hollow’ and through to the river and woodland...that is for Nature.

Over the river up to Tonge Fold, either double back or take the pathway across the footbridge, over Oakenbottom Road and back into the park.

Its structure must be maintained. This entails continuous work. The Bolton News report featured such terminology as ‘trustee board’ ‘committees’ ‘resources’ ‘portfolio’ and ‘executive member’. Not words to slip into your mind as you gaze over rivers and trees and listen to the blackbirds.

The structure s there already. Changes, huge or otherwise, are not required. Leverhulme Park is there already and welcomes both humans and Nature.

David Sharples

Tarbet Drive

Breightmet