AN area that was purged of prostitutes and gangs is once again being blighted by drug dealers and anti-social behaviour.

Residents in The Haulgh say Bridgeman Place Park has become a hotspot for litter and drinking — despite signs warning of fines — and that shrubbery is being used as a public toilet.

Police say they have now increased patrols in the area and will also look to install CCTV cameras.

The improvements in The Haulgh were driven by community champion Walter Scott, who had a plaque put up in the park in his memory, following his death in 2009.

Now, his widow says he would be devastated to see the park in its current state.

Madeleine Scott, aged 74, said: “I am really saddened by it. We came to live in the area 14 years ago when prostitutes, gangs and drug dealers were rife.

"It took us a long time to get the police to take action as it was seen as unimportant.

“It was awful. It was anarchy in the streets. We had our house paint balled and cars damaged.

"We finally got things sorted and had the park built and it has been beautiful ever since then.

“Walter would be devastated to know it was going back to the way it was after all the hard work that was done to turn the place around.”

Mr Scott helped transform his crime-ridden neighbourhood and helped to rescue the park, in Bradford Street, from dereliction.

The 68-year-old, who lived in Bromwich Street with his wife, worked tirelessly to tackle drug problems, prostitution and anti-social behaviour during his time as chairman of the former Haulgh Community Partnership group.

Police launched Operation Zero, an award-winning crackdown on prostitution and gangs in the area, which was prompted by the murder of prostitute Carly Bateman in 2001.

But residents in the area have now raised concerns about recent activity in the park, some calling for CCTV cameras to be installed — a move which is being discussed by the police and the council.

One resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, believes that more could be done to deter potential yobs from hanging about in the park.

He said: “What annoys me is there is a fixed penalty sign for drinking in park, but no one seems to be fined for it.”

Mrs Scott added: “Drug dealers and alcoholics have returned and the shrubbery is being used as a lavatory.

“The police have been patrolling the area more and now there is talk of CCTV being installed so I am hoping that the issue can be nipped in the bud. We can’t let it happen again.

“When Walter died everyone was so appreciative of what he did that the plaque was put up in the park to honour him, and it is upsetting to think that this behaviour is going on near to the plaque.”

Another resident said: “The gates used to be locked up at 6pm, but that doesn’t happen now, so I guess it is an easy place for people to meet up and cause trouble.

“People don’t like to get involved but I have been speaking to the police regularly about what I have seen, because if things don’t get reported then nothing gets done.”

PC Melanie Jones from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have a policing operation in place to address the concerns raised by the community over antisocial behaviour in the park.

"It sees an increase in police patrols at varied times throughout the day.

“We are also taking positive action against anyone found drinking alcohol in the park.”

A council spokesman said: “The council is working closely with police on a number of interventions including CCTV to tackle anti-social behaviour in the park.”