HALLIWELL residents were, apparently, welcoming the levelling taking place of land behind Harvey Street in 1951.

The area was known as Tootals Park — we are assuming because it was close to the Tootals Mill in Bolton.

What was then the Corporation Parks Department had, in hand, a scheme to make two junior football pitches which would extend over about four acres the caption to this picture explained.

If it all went well the work or levelling and planting grass seeds was expected to be completed by the beginning of 1952.

Pools of water standing more than one foot deep had been the result of the totally unsatisfactory ground.

As we can see in the background of this photograph there are dozens of terraced mill cottages which we do not believe are still standing.

The mill was most probably Tootal’s Mill but we are hoping local residents can help identify this area properly.

It is most probable that the terraced properties we can see would be, originally, built for the mill workers to ensure they could get to work for their early morning shifts on time as they would be close to the mill.

What is built on this land today as we are pretty sure it is not football pitches.

It would be lovely to hear from any Halliwell residents who can recall this work taking place.

Get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk