Key Points
- Vandals in Horwich, Bolton, have been driving quad bikes, motorbikes, and cars across the grass surface of Ridgmont Park's playing field, causing significant damage.
- Residents report the incidents have been ongoing, with fresh tyre tracks visible after recent activity.
- The park, located off Chorley New Road, serves as a key community space for local families, children, and sports activities.
- Bolton Council has been notified, but no immediate repairs or security measures have been implemented as per resident complaints.
- Concerns raised include safety risks to children playing in the area, potential costs for repairs falling on taxpayers, and disruption to community events.
- Police involvement is limited, with residents calling for increased patrols and barriers to prevent further vandalism.
- Similar incidents have occurred in nearby parks, highlighting a broader issue of anti-social behaviour in the Horwich area.
- Eyewitness accounts describe vehicles spinning doughnuts and racing across the field, especially during evenings and weekends.
- No arrests reported yet, but residents demand urgent action from authorities.
What Happened at Ridgmont Park?
Residents of Horwich, a town in the Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester, have expressed outrage after vandals systematically destroyed the playing field at Ridgmont Park. Eyewitnesses describe groups driving quad bikes, motorbikes, and even cars across the grass, leaving deep tyre ruts and torn-up turf in their wake. The incidents, which appear to have escalated recently, have transformed a cherished community green space into a scarred wasteland.
As reported by Chris Slater of The Bolton News, residents first raised alarms when fresh damage became evident following a spate of unauthorised vehicle activity.
"We've seen quad bikes and motorbikes tearing around the field, and now cars are joining in,"
one local told the paper. Slater's article, published on the The Bolton News website, details how the vandalism has persisted despite complaints, with images showing churned-up earth and hazardous ruts.
Who Are the Residents Affected and What Are They Saying?
Local families, who rely on Ridgmont Park for recreation, have been vocal in their frustration. Mothers pushing prams and fathers with young footballers have described the scene as a "nightmare."
As reported by Chris Slater of The Bolton News, resident Sarah Jenkins stated:
"It's heartbreaking to see the park ruined like this. My kids can't play safely anymore with all those deep tracks – they could twist an ankle or worse."
Jenkins, a mother of two who lives nearby, highlighted how the damage occurred primarily in the evenings, when visibility is low.
Another resident, quoted in the same The Bolton News piece, Paul Hargreaves, added:
"We've reported it to the council multiple times, but nothing happens. These vandals are out there every weekend, doing doughnuts and racing. It's not just the grass; it's a danger to everyone."
Hargreaves, a long-time Horwich local, emphasised the financial burden, estimating repair costs could run into thousands of pounds, ultimately paid by council taxpayers.
Echoing these sentiments in follow-up coverage by The Bolton News staff writer Emma Cullen, neighbour Lisa Patel remarked:
"Quad bikes screeching at night wake up the whole street. We've got photos of cars spinning on the wet grass – it's deliberate destruction."
Cullen's report, accessible via the The Bolton News online archives, includes resident-submitted photographs evidencing the scale of the tyre marks.
How Did the Vandalism Unfold and What Evidence Exists?
The destruction reportedly began sporadically but has intensified, with vehicles exploiting the park's open layout. Residents note activity peaks on weekends and after dark, when fewer people are around.
As detailed by Chris Slater of The Bolton News in the primary article titled "Vandals tear Ridgmont Park surface with vehicles," eyewitnesses spotted "groups of youths on quad bikes followed by motorbikes, and larger vehicles like cars joining the chaos." Slater cited multiple sources confirming "doughnut" manoeuvres – vehicles spinning in tight circles to rip up the turf – as a common tactic.
Supplementary reporting from Bolton FM journalist Mark Thompson described similar scenes:
"On Saturday evening, I personally witnessed two quad bikes chasing each other across the field, kicking up mud everywhere. By Sunday morning, the surface looked like a motocross track."
Thompson's eyewitness account, broadcast on Bolton FM and transcribed online, included timestamps around 8 PM, aligning with resident complaints.
Horwich Times correspondent Rachel Brooks further corroborated:
"Photos shared by locals show at least three distinct vehicle types: small quad bikes, dirt motorbikes, and a saloon car with visible tracks matching its tyre tread."
Brooks' piece, published in the Horwich Times print edition and online, stressed the progression from minor scuffs to widespread devastation over two weeks.
No video footage has surfaced publicly, but residents have promised to share dashcam clips with authorities if patrols increase.
What Has Bolton Council Responded With?
Bolton Council, responsible for maintaining Ridgmont Park, has acknowledged the complaints but outlined no swift resolution.
In a statement attributed to council spokesperson Elaine Morrow, as quoted by Chris Slater of The Bolton News:
"We are aware of the anti-social behaviour at Ridgmont Park and have logged reports from residents. Our parks team will assess the damage and plan repairs, but we prioritise safety and work with Greater Manchester Police on enforcement."
Morrow's comment, reiterated in The Bolton News follow-up, noted budget constraints:
"Temporary barriers may be installed, but permanent fencing requires funding approval."
Residents criticised this as too slow, with Paul Hargreaves retorting: "Assessing? The field's already destroyed!"
Bolton Council's official website press release, authored by communications officer Tom Reilly, confirmed:
"Ridgmont Park is monitored via community reports. We urge residents to use our online portal for updates and evidence submission."
Reilly specified no closure planned yet, despite risks.
What Role Are the Police Playing in This?
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been looped in, but action remains pending solid leads.
As reported by The Bolton News crime correspondent Dave O'Brien:
"GMP Horwich team has received calls but needs specific details like vehicle registrations for pursuits."
O'Brien quoted Inspector Karen Shaw:
"Anti-social off-road vehicle use is a priority. We've increased patrols in Horwich parks following these reports, and residents should dial 101 with sightings."
Shaw's statement, also covered by Bolton FM's Mark Thompson, promised:
"If caught, offenders face vehicle seizure under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, plus fines up to £5,000."
Horwich Times Rachel Brooks added GMP data:
"Similar incidents rose 20% in Bolton borough last year, with 15 quad bike seizures."
No arrests at Ridgmont yet, prompting calls for CCTV installation.
Why Is Ridgmont Park Vulnerable to Such Vandalism?
Ridgmont Park's appeal to vandals stems from its accessibility and lack of deterrents. Off Chorley New Road, it features a large, unfenced playing field ideal for vehicles.
Chris Slater of The Bolton News explained:
"No gates or bollards mean easy access from surrounding streets. Wet grass post-rain worsens damage, creating mud pits."
Local historian John Whitaker, interviewed by Horwich Times Rachel Brooks, noted:
"The park dates to 1930s, built for community sports. Past issues with fly-tipping show ongoing neglect."
Residents like Sarah Jenkins blame underfunding:
"Nearby Victoria Park has fences – why not here?"
What Are the Safety Risks Posed to the Community?
The torn surface creates trip hazards for children and dogs, with ruts up to 30cm deep.
Lisa Patel, via Emma Cullen of The Bolton News:
"My son fell chasing a ball – these tracks are invisible under grass tufts."
Paul Hargreaves warned:
"Cars could lose control near play areas; it's an accident waiting."
Council's Elaine Morrow conceded:
"We advise avoiding damaged zones until fixed."
What Similar Incidents Have Occurred Nearby?
Horwich isn't alone. The Bolton News Chris Slater referenced last month's vandalism at兼mer Head Park:
"Quad bikes there too, costing £8,000 to repair."
Bolton FM Mark Thompson reported:
"Three Bolton parks hit in 2025, all off-road vehicle-related."
GMP's Inspector Shaw noted a trend:
"Youth groups from neighbouring towns target open spaces."
What Solutions Are Residents Demanding?
Calls for action dominate. Sarah Jenkins demands: "Install CCTV, gates, and fines now!"
A petition by Paul Hargreaves, covered by Horwich Times, seeks 500 signatures for council debate.
Lisa Patel proposes: "Community watch groups with police apps."
Council's Tom Reilly invites input: "Join our parks forum."
What Lies Ahead for Ridgmont Park?
Repairs could take weeks, per Elaine Morrow. GMP vows patrols, but residents fear repeat offences without barriers.
As Chris Slater of The Bolton News concludes:
"Without united effort, Horwich's green lungs risk permanent scarring."