IT was hailed as a golden example of regeneration.

But the glee expressed by residents over the revamped Little Holme Park was shortlived.

Two years ago Mark Smith, a Great Lever resident, helped to give the park, off Weston Street, a new lease of life after it had fallen into disrepair.

Since then, however, it has become a haven for drunken yobs and graffiti artists.

The basketball net has been broken, obscene words litter the climbing frame and there is dog dirt on the ground.

It became so bad, Mr Smith successfully asked for the removal of the roundabout and swings because they had become a magnet for older children.

And that, he said, was heart-breaking. "I felt annoyed because of the young children who want to go on the swings and the roundabout," said Mr Smith.

"But a number of children aged around 16 just ruined it. I felt I had helped to start the park so it was my duty to get involved when things went wrong."

Mr Smith and local policewoman Julie Grundy were able to secure donations from a number of firms to fund the £60,000 scheme, completed in November 1998. The bulk of the funding was provided by Bolton Council's Leisure Services who designed and redeveloped the park.

Mr Smith, who lives in Parkfield Road, Great Lever, said: "It's such a shame because it could a lovely place for children to play.

"If you come in the summer there are loads of kids enjoying themselves.

"But because of the mess, it's become too dangerous. The dog dirt in particular is very hazardous. It could make children go blind."

He also expressed concern about the number of cars which he said sped along Parkfield Road, near to the park.

"Many children cross there to get to the park. I'm trying to get sleeping policemen put in," he said.

But the council looks set to solve the problem. A spokesman told the BEN: "Mr Smith doesn't need to worry. We are going to clean up the graffiti and the swings will also be replaced.

"We had removed them because they had been vandalised and had become unsafe."