A ONCE popular park has been transformed into a "no go"area.

Openshaw Park off Rochdale Road in Bury is, locals claim, unsafe after dark with thugs threatening park users, destroying saplings and wrecking the bowling greens.

Mr Jimmy Hill of the Pimhole Residents' Association said: "It is a 'no go' area and a dangerous place. People do not use the park as often as they should because of the abuse they receive from thugs.

"Money has been spent to improve the park, to make it a pleasant area, but youths who congregate in the park have carried out a campaign of destruction."

Mr Hill's remarks followed confirmation that more money would be spent to improve facilities at Openshaw Park.

He said: "What is the point in spending more money on this park. It would be a waste. Problems need to be tackled face on." Many residents close to Openshaw Park refuse to allow their children to visit the park even in the day time because of the safety fears.

One mum, who didn't want to be named, said: "It is not even safe when I accompany my children to the park. You still get abuse from thugs. It can be quite scary."

Inspector Steve Ellis of Bury Township Police, urged people to contact officers with any problems - and write to complain if they do not receive the service they expect.

He said: "Openshaw Park has been quiet for some time now. However, that could be down to the fact that people are not contacting us and letting us now about incidents.

"We need people to let us now about problems. If we don't receive calls about an area then we assume everything is fine and deal with other matters. We can only react to problems the public let us know about.

"If people do not get the response they believe they should receive then the should write to Bury Police Station to complain."

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