A TRANSFORMED play area in Horwich is soon to be open to the public again after receiving a facelift.

The play area at Ainsworth Avenue, on the Brazley estate, was one of the sites highlighted for improvements by Bolton Council and received £34,000.

More than £350,000 was awarded to eight sites throughout the borough many of which were totally rebuilt.

Horwich councillor Bob Ronson, said that the transformation of the parks was an excellent idea. He said that cash cuts in the past has meant the council has not had the money to carry out repairs.

The play area on the Brazley estate was completely cleared, and all the old equipment was removed, including an old see-saw and roundabout.

The land has now been levelled off and the safety surface replaced, along with new brightly coloured play equipment.

A car park is also to be built near the area to ensure that visitors vehicles are not parked along the nearby streets, creating problems with neighbours.

The new play area will be officially reopened to the public on October 19 at 12 noon, by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr John Bragg.

In total there are a total of 119 play parks in the borough. Those chosen were shortlisted for works after safety assessments and consultation with residents.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said the parks in Bolton are very popular and have an excellent safety record. An inspection team keeps all 500 swings, slides and other equipment clean and safe on a daily basis and there are few reported accidents.