HUNDREDS of people signed a petition against possible council plans to sell off parks.

As previously reported in the BEN, the council has launched a review of Bolton's 408 parks and other green spaces.

A report to Cllr John Byrne, executive member for culture, concedes that councillors may ultimately decide some lesser-used sites may no longer be needed.

But Cllr Byrne said in a letter to the BEN: "It is totally misleading to suggest the council is in any way proposing to sell off its parkland."

Petition organisers from the Socialist Alliance, including Mike Coulson, are not convinced.

They claim the parks and green spaces review has a cost-cutting agenda, something the council vigorously deny.

Mr Coulson said: "We do see this as a potential threat. We know the council has no plans to sell of any of these sites now because the review is still going on, but it hasn't ruled it out."

A steady stream of shoppers signed the petition in Victoria Square on Saturday, adding to the 200 signatures which organisers say they collected in an hour last weekend.

Town hall bosses are clear that popular parks are still in the forefront of their plans.

Whatever is decided, it is considered extremely unlikely that the council would relinquish control of any of its main parks.

The report points out: "The provision and management of parks, recreation grounds and various well-used outdoor facilities is vital to the positive image of the borough and the well being of its population. Bolton Council is committed to providing a network of parks and green spaces."