SCHOOL playing fields will be opened up in a bid to get children off the streets.

This is just one of the ideas being considered by the council to provide after school activities.

This week, former Bury councillor Mr Sam Cohen called on the local authority to let youngsters play on school playing fields. He said it could help to end the borough-wide problem of youths causing annoyance.

Speaking at Monday's meeting of Bury South Police and Community Consultative Group, Mr Cohen, who is the chairman of the group, said: "We should be using the fields far more than we are. As it is, children are on the streets causing a nuisance and are being blamed for vandalism. "Playing fields are an ideal place for them to go in the evenings."

Mr Cohen's remarks followed public complaints about youngsters playing in the streets and intimidating residents.

Mr Harold Williams, chief education officer, welcomed the idea, saying it was "very commendable".

"This idea along with opening up other council property to give somewhere for children to go is being considered," he revealed.

"As well as school playing fields, we are considering opening up car parks for children to Rollerblade on, and also allowing children to use school sports halls."

But he said problems including school security would have to be addressed before the scheme could be given the go-ahead.

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