MEMORIES came flooding back for residents who turned out in force to celebrate the grand reopening of their local park.

Sunnyside Park in Great Lever was once a "mill park" carefully looked after by its owners and a haven for cotton mill workers who paid tuppence a week to use it.

Over the decades, after the mill closed, the park became overgrown and a meeting place for vandals.

But yesterday the sun was shining once again on the park as years of decay and neglect were brought to an end.

The park, at the corner of Moisant Street and Auberson Road, off Higher Swan Lane, has been given a £180,000 makeover by Bolton Council and the features include a new play area for children.

Yesterday visitors were able to enjoy a variety of activities including fairground rides, live music, food and craft stalls and sports activities for youngsters.

Morris dancers entertained and children had an opportunity to try their hand at circus skills such as juggling and plate spinning.

The park was originally owned by the Tootal, Broadhurst and Lee mill and was for workers only.

Many of those former workers turned up for yesterday's opening ceremony -- perrformed by Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion.

Jenny Haslam, aged 81, of Longfellows Avenue, Daubhill, worked at the mill and also had her wedding reception in the park's hall.

As she surveyed the work that has been carried out, the former mill worker said: "I always enjoyed my time in the park,and they've certainly done it up a lot. It will be good for the people who still live round here.

"I enjoyed being at Tootal's and had my wedding reception here in 1944. The park did end up a mess, though. It looks a lot tidier now."

May McVerry, aged 85, of Deane Church Lane, was a worker at the mill from the age of 14 until her retirement at 58.

She said: "The park looks very good for the children. But it is very different to how I remember it. It was always well kept by the mill owners."

Members of the Sunnyside Residents and Tenants Association praised Bolton Council for its work. Eileen Barlow, a member of the group, said: "It is definitely what we were hoping for."

She added: "The children were fully consulted about the play area through the local schools and fun days. They got everything they wanted."

The local community contributed ideas to the designs of park features and these include new decorative entrance gates and a table and chairs designed by elderly residents.

The story of the park has been captured through an oral history project.

Older residents in the area who worked at the mill were asked about their memories of the mill and park and their recollections were recorded on to a CD. Copies cost £3 and anyone interested in having one should contact Christine Meadwell on 01204 64914.