THE recent publicity regarding vandalism at Limefield Park in Bury is a sad indictment of our times.

For many years, prior to the new housing development by Westbury/Maunders, the play area in question was well used by a great many young people. Indeed, this park represented a substantial investment in the local community.

Now, thanks to the mindless anti-social behaviour of a very small minority, the intention is to remove the play equipment. What a sad day that will be for the toddlers and young children who will miss out on a safe play area near to their homes. Families in the Limefield area must now travel all the way down to Clarence Park.

Whilst the residents who complained of disruption may be glad about this, they must also recognise, as we do, that it will not solve the problem of unruly youngsters in the area.

Since the closure of facilities for the community at Seedfield, the ward has become devoid of any activities for our young people. In common with Brandlesholme, there is no dedicated youth provision. As far as we can see, this problem is set to continue unless efforts are made to provide stimulating activities for the 12-18 year age group. By "closing" Limefield Park, the problem is simply being moved on. That cannot be good news for any of us!

To prevent future disruption to residents of Moorside, there must be a far more imaginative approach to youth provision. Could we not, for example, have the mobile youth bus from time to time? Even more importantly, could the council not consider the restoration of dedicated youth facilities to stop youngsters wandering aimlessly around the streets.

At the moment, they are simply bored and frustrated because there is nothing for them to do, and their excess energy is in some cases being occupied in anti-social pursuits.

We would be interested to hear how the problems experiences by residents here and in other parts of the town are to be addressed and eradicated in the future.

The tragedy is that young people will undoubtedly miss out here in Limefield after the play equipment is removed. For the TRA, this is a sad indictment of the current state of society. It is to be hoped that we now see more dedicated youth provision to stop the trend of anti-social behaviour that is becoming all too common on estates throughout the borough

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,

Limefield Tenants and

Residents Association.