BOWLERS in Great Lever, who were left with nowhere to play after vandals wrecked their green, have been working with Bolton Council to make improvements.

Their games at Heywood Park Green have had to be cancelled after gangs of youths staged their own World Cup on the green in June.

People have also ridden bikes across the green, ripping up the turf.

The bowling group stressed that there are many pitches in parks around the area to be used by youngsters who wanted to enjoy a game of football.

After complaints from players, the local authority decided to take action.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We have been experiencing serious vandalism problems with youngsters playing football on the green and we have been working closely with bowlers to try to resolve the situation."

"Now, on match days, one of our staff will go to the green to clear up and make any repairs necessary. At the moment this seems to be working."