I FEEL I must write to you regarding one of the 'forgotten' areas of Haydock - Avery Road and the estates that surround it.

Years ago there was only the RAF houses, now the entire area, including the old slagheap, is covered with houses.

The only 'Green Belt' left on Haydock Lane area is a small area where chickens and geese are kept. This is now zoned for housing. Many parents and grandparents take their small children to see the animals and feed them.

The small children and teenagers on the estates have nowhere to go and play. The only outlets they have is to go down to the local off-licences and one shop for pop and sweets.

Quite surprisingly, we have no teenage crime such as graffiti, vandalism etc. in the area. Perhaps this reflects on their parents, I don't really know.

We have a solution to the lack of facilities right here on our doorstep. The old RAF sports field at Haydock is on the edge of our estate. When RAF Haydock closed, the field was sold back to Mr John Moore, the local farmer. The land is only suitable for hay.

Perhaps our recently elected local politicians could show some initiative and begin negotiations with Mr Moore to lease the field for use as a park. A few football posts and a few rugby posts at either end wouldn't cost much and perhaps a few swings for the younger children.

The RAF tennis courts are beyond repair but the cemented cricket pitch in the centre of the field is probably still usable. So how about it our elected representatives?

RJC, Haydock (name and address supplied)