A HERITAGE park created as a reminder of a town's industrial past is suffering from neglect and abuse. In two years Chanters Valley at Atherton -- a pleasant oasis where locals could reflect on engineering glory -- has slipped from paradise to purgatory, claims Bolton Old Road resident Mrs Fay Kennedy.

Angry at how the park has been mistreated, Mrs Kennedy recalled how an unsightly area of wasteland opposite the new Chanters Green Estate, beside the Rope and Anchor pub, was transformed and giant bolts were positioned relating to Atherton's nut and bolt making history.

She told the Journal: "Paths were laid and shrubs planted to make an attractive walkway. The mayor opened this lovely park and I looked forward to many hours of pleasure.

"Sadly, this was not to be, soon the shrubs and steps were vandalised and what could have been a haven of rest among birdsong and blossom is now difficult to distinguish from a tip.

"Instead of flowers there are plastic bags in many colours, beer cans and black ash all liberally sprinkled with broken glass.

"Workmen have been in on a few occasions but are park keepers and policemen a thing of the past? It seems such a good idea going to ruin for lack of regular supervision. A regular waste of money."

The scheme was a joint project between Groundwork Wigan and Chorley and Wigan Council.

A council spokesman said: "We have had a report of some tipping and the rubbish will be removed and some work carried out to tidy the area.

"We are concerned that people are treating the site as a tip. The majority of local people appreciate the valley but a small number have vandalised the area and daubed graffiti on the bolts which are a feature of the park."

And Groundwork officers who investigated Mrs Kennedy's complaint said the main problem was fly-tipping.

Groundwork's Barry Cooper said: "We have been in touch with the council, who worked with us on this project, the rubbish will be cleared and hopefully we will community involvement will prevent a recurrence."