COUNCILLORS are calling for more activities to be provided for teenagers in Astley Bridge in a bid to reduce vandalism.

Barlow Park, on the Oldhams Estate, has been regularly targeted by young wreckers over the last few months.

Ward councillors claim there is not enough for youngsters to do in the area and that the district is missing out on help compared to other parts of the borough.

Cllr John Walsh said: “This has been a problem for some time and it is very sad.

“We are talking to the council about what can be done to bring facilities to Barlow Park.

“It is sad to see the way it has been vandalised. The pavilion is regularly having tiles ripped off the roof, and the bowling green can no longer be used because it has been so badly damaged.

“There is a huge gap in youth provision in this part of the town and we are pushing for more services for young people.”

Cllr Stuart Lever added: “We need to look at the work the Bolton Lads and Girls Club has done and build on their success.

“The club has a budget of £1.8 million, but Bolton Council has £4.2 million to spend on youth services, yet the Lads and Girls club does a better job for half the money.”

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “There was an incident over last weekend, when graffiti was sprayed on the walls of the centre and the adjoining play area and one window was also broken.

“The graffiti was removed and the window was repaired by Tuesday.

“The play centre was open four days a week over summer for children aged four to 13, and is now open three afternoons and one evening during term time.

“There is a youth centre facility within Barlow Park, which is open twice a week, and outreach work is also ongoing in the area for 13 to 19-year-olds.

“We will continue working with the local community and meet with ward councillors to ensure services for children and young people are flexible and meet the needs of the local area.”