WORK on a £100,000 children's play area could begin by the end of the month.

The new playground, to be built in Horwich's Old Station Park, was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2006.

But the plans were delayed for further consultation amid fears that it could have an affect on the town's carnival.

Councillors said the position of the new playground could have stopped fairground rides being brought into the park for the festivities.

But Janet Payne, a landscape architect for Bolton Council, has told them that the plans should not affect the carnival events in the park.

Robin Wiseman, vice-chairman of the Friends of Old Station Park, said: "The plans are very good and we want to get on a build it now.

"We have been after a better play area for several years and wanted to do it in a sensible way.

"There have been set backs for various reasons, but hopefully the work can get under way as soon as possible."

The playground will be split into two areas - a junior area and a toddler area.

The junior area will include a slide, swings, a seesaw as well as a fort area to encourage imaginative play.

The toddler area will include similar equipment and a station - a Wendy house structure to represent a train station with seating inside for youngsters.

It will be built near the St John's Street entrance to the park and will replace the existing infant playground, which has only a small slide and one swing.

The plan will be discussed at the next Horwich Council meeting, on Thursday.

If it is approved, it is hoped the playground will be completed by April.