FURIOUS families have hit back at residents who say the noise of children playing in a school yard is “unbearable”.

Almost 150 residents have submitted a petition to Bolton Council complaining about the noise level from SS Osmund and Andrew’s Primary School in Falkirk Drive, Breightmet.

Now parents and grandparents who send their children to the school say the complaints are ridiculous, and that the sound of children playing and laughing is wonderful. They say that the school is no different to any other in Bolton, and that people who have a problem with noise should not buy a house near a school.

Lisa Deane, whose son attends the school, said: “The sound of children enjoying themselves is one of the happiest noises in the world.

“These residents would have childhood outlawed to appease them. I have never heard anything so pathetic.”

Mrs Deane, aged 31, of Rawcliffe Avenue, added: “The school is doing wonderfully well and my son has come on leaps and bounds.

“What a shame that his school years are tarnished by this niggling and moaning.”

Derek Coupe, aged 69, of Tarbet Drive, has two grandchildren at the school.

He said: “I think this is a case of people getting a bit older and a bit less tolerant.

“Anyone who buys a house within a few hundred yards of a school or a pub and expects it to be to be quiet is an imbecile.”

Joanne Harrison, aged 38, of Rawcliffe Avenue, is a mum of two pupils at the school. She said: “Since that school opened it’s been nothing but hassle from the neighbours. I think it’s beyond a joke. Saying kids are too noisy is ridiculous. Have they got nothing better to do?”

Bill Disley, of Kilbride Avenue, who started the petition, was unavailable for comment.