Disappointment and upset has been expressed after a well-used park was vandalised.

A dog walker reported damaged bollards at Leverhulme Park to Breightmet councillor Adele Warren, last month.

While most of the park covers Darcy Lever, some of the green space is part of Breightmet, and residents from all over visit the park.

Cllr Warren says that another resident told her a few days ago that a large number of barriers preventing travellers from setting up camp, and off-road bikers in the park, were removed at the main entrance on Long Lane.

The Bolton News:

She said: “It’s just really disappointing and it’s upsetting because it’s not cheap to put in place.

“It was only just before Christmas and in between New Years when we went out planting an orchid.

“We are only trying to do extra things that are positive, and you just have people mindless things like this.

“These are preventive and one of the main reasons the barriers are in place is to stop travellers gaining access to the park.

“Generally speaking, they find a way, but it makes it harder.”

The remaining wood from the barriers has now been removed to make it safe, but the damage is still visible, which Cllr Warren says can encourage others to ruin the space.

She also says that it is also a cost to the taxpayer when it is a “minority” causing damage.

Cllr Warren said: “Leverhulme Park is a really well-used park, with a gym, physiotherapy, a park run, Powerleague Bolton, and more that operates in the area.

The Bolton News: “We have people from all over the borough and outside.”

Tyre tracks have also been seen on the grass, which has brought a lot of mud on to the footpaths, which Cllr Warren says is not ideal for those walking in the area.

Cllr Warren says that she is seeing the aftermath and has urged anyone to report what is happening to the police as soon as possible via 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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