A plan for an extra car park at a popular park is a cause of concern for some residents and United Utilities alike.

The Moss Bank Park scheme is an attempt to ease the pressure on the current car park and the roads around it, which is a result of 'additional activities' like grassroots sports.

The plan for the extra car park, which includes almost 50 spaces next to the bowling green, was submitted by the council last year and a consultation was started last month.

At the time, Smithills Ward councillor Roger Hayes said: "There's a problem with parking, because there are all kinds of additional activities without an increase in parking."

"It's chaotic sometimes," Cllr Hayes added.

However, some residents are opposing the extra car park for a number of reasons, supporting instead an extension to the current car park.

Joan Blunsdon, who lives at the entrance to the park, said the reasons range from the size of the access road to the loss of the open space.

The Bolton News:

Ms Blunsdon, who volunteers in the rock garden and walled garden, said: "We talk to people in the park. I don't think we met one person who thinks it's the right thing to do [The access road] is a narrow road and I'm not sure there's room for vehicles to manoeuvre on and off a car park.

"At this time of year it's not busy, but they've rewilded a lot of the park, so last year there were a lot of people picnicking in the area where the car park is going to be located."

The Moss Bank Park scheme is a cause of concern for United Utilities too, due to the existence of a water main.

A letter from the supplier reads: "Following our review of the site, we can confirm the proposal is not acceptable to United Utilities as the proposed development and embankment appear to be located above our water main. 

"Until such time as the applicant has resolved all concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed development and embankment to our water assets, our position is we OBJECT to the proposal."

A consultation is open until next week, with a decision due on the application by March 8.

But as the council is the applicant, it is likely to be considered by the Planning Committee.