SKATEBOARDERS have been criticised for using Bolton War Memorial gardens to practise their sport.

The Bolton Artillery War Memorial, in Nelson Square, is understood to have become a meeting place for youngsters, with claims that many are using the area for jumps and other skateboard tricks.

Lawrence Catterall, who has witnessed skaters on the memorial, said it is “disgusting”.

The 62-year-old said: “To use a sacred place like that is disgusting.

“It is a place to remember all those who gave their lives.

“They shouldn’t be doing it.

“I have seen dozens of them aged from about 13 to 19 on it, it is so disrespectful.”

A skateboard park opened last year in Great Moor Street in Bolton for skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters and roller blades.

However Mr Catterall claims skaters are more often than not using other locations in the town centre to skate.

The Manchester Road resident added: “There should be consequences for skating on a sacred place, they are doing it on the town hall steps too.

“But the town is not policed like it used to be.

“There used to be on-the-beat policemen, but there isn’t any more.

“And when you tell them to get off the war memorial they just laugh in your face.

“These youngsters should be fined. It is shocking.”

The Bolton Artillery War Memorial was officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1920 and was installed with railings to secure it and has recently been given a refurbishment, including re-cutting of names where necessary.

Bob Nicholls Treasurer of the Bolton branch of the Royal Artillery Association said: “It seems a bit of a shame that kids are beginning to use it in this way.

“The memorial is a part of what we are all about— being British —and these war memorials are not be disrespected they are to be respected.

“They need reminding of the sacrifices that took place in the First and Second World War.

“These memorials are for people who gave their lives so that the younger generation could enjoy a better future.”

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We are sorry to hear that the war memorial gardens are being used in this way.

"The memorial is surrounded by railings in order to protect it, but we will ask the neighbourhood police team to speak to any young people seen skateboarding in the gardens.

"We would urge skateboarders to use the skateboarding park on Great Moor Street instead.”