CORRESPONDENT Frances Holland Johnson is quite correct to draw readers' (and councillors') attention to the condition of the Rock Garden in Moss Bank Park and we "Friends of Moss Bank Park" share her concern.

Recent letters to the Bolton Evening News paint a fair picture of the shocking state of this garden.

In our first report to the council last July, we drew particular attention to the condition of the Rock Garden and are disappointed that it has not yet been tackled. We understand, however, that costly repairs/replacements are required to the water pumping system. This work, together with security measures which need to be addressed to minimise vandalism, makes it too expensive for the current year's budget. As a group, we will continue to press for the garden's renovation and we welcome the comments expressed by readers.

M/s Johnson's comments about the walled garden are, however, unfair. Over recent months, the Park's staff, assisted by people from WISE (workers in search of employment), have made a significant improvement to the condition of this garden. Volunteers from FOMBP have also helped by carrying out hours of weeding and also planting the best part of 100 roses which are now in bloom and serving as an encouragement to us, as well as beautifying the garden. It's not perfect yet, but we are encouraged by the progress made.

With regard to her suggestion about community action, we in FOMBP are a group of "retired gentlemen and ladies", who are doing just what she suggests and are happy to invite any other interested parties (old age is not a prerequisite!) to join us. Our first Annual General meeting will be held in Barrow Bridge Mission on Tuesday, August 13, at 2pm, when our annual report will be presented and we will decide on our programme for the second year of activity.

Last year we organised six practical "events", removing more than 100 sacks of litter and pruning shrubs in the car park, as well as as the weeding mentioned above. We were also happy to receive the help of Church Road School who assisted us with a litter pick and pond dipping session in Moss Lane Duck Pond. This pond is scheduled for de-silting in this financial year and we plan to bid for Lottery funds to help renovate this and other areas of the park.

FOMBP was pleased to note at a recent meeting of the Centre North Forum, that the council's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund has ear-marked £1,000 to help tackle the litter problem caused, in the main, by visitors to the park. This should provide a much needed improvement to the litter situation. However, if park-goers would use the bins or take their litter home, there would be more for the council to spend on garden maintenance.

David Butcher

(Chairman FOMBP)

Moss Lane, Bolton