TERRIFIED parents fear straying youngsters could end up in a watery grave.

Concerned mums Joanne Ecclestone and Janet Aldred of Severn Street, Leigh say a derelict Butts Bridge factory draws children like a magnet to canalside dangers.

Mother-of-two Mrs Ecclestone said:"The area is full of young children and we're dreading what might happen now the school holidays are on.

"There is a sheer drop into the canal from the factory. The problem is people keep opening the factory gates and no matter how closely you watch them children do stray.

"We have contacted the police and the council but they all seem to pass the buck. The property company involved promised to deal with the problem but we got fed-up of waiting.

"We put chains on the gates ourselves, but somebody pinched them."

Bolton-based Excelsior Commercial and Industrial Properties have replaced the gate locks at the Response factory (formerly Peter Blonds) and have promised to take further steps if necessary.

Cllr Stephen Kennedy has asked council officials to investigate.

"Excelsior have said they will consider dumping hard-core around the gates to stop people opening them."

The spot is a short distance from where a four year old boy died earlier this year.

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