YOUNGSTERS and their parents are campaigning to save a play area from being sold for development.

A 259-named petition has been handed in to the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, against the proposed sale of Ulleswater Street field, Halliwell.

Residents living in the area say it is the only open space in a built up residential area for children to play on.

Mum Joanne Dixon, who lives in Pendlebury Street, said: "This field is for the children.

"I have lived in this area for more than 12 years and I have brought up my children and grandchildren here.

"There is nothing round here for the kids. In the summer, the field is packed with Asian and white children playing football and cricket together."

Another local resident, Mrs Shamim Umerji, from the same street, added: "We know our children are safe and nearby.

"This field belongs to the whole community and we do not want it sold."

Local residents have written letters to their local councillors and MP asking that they be consulted over future plans for the open space.

Ulleswater Community Group said it tried to buy the land and develop it as a play area for the local area.

They claim representatives were told that the land was protected and would not be sold. "So why has the council suddenly changed is mind?" said a member of the group.

Mr Idris Ismail, father of Yasin, aged seven, who lives on Walnut Street, said: "We do not have gardens in this area, the field is used by many local children who come from the surrounding streets to play, we do not want it sold.

"There are plenty of other pieces of land which the Council could sell."

Mrs Sajeda Bhad, mother of a two-year-old Imaan from Walnut Street, concluded: "This field is the only piece of greenery in the area, it is safe and has always been used by local children. All the land in this area has been built on.

"This field should be left for future generations of children."

A council spokesman said: "There are proposals to dispose of the land, but we are setting up public consultation in the New Year. Nothing has been decided yet."