18-07-2025
Safety concerns raised about dark and slippery steps
Safety concerns have been raised about some dark and slippery steps in Bolton.
Gorses Steps in Darcy Lever has been a distinctive fixture of the area for decades.
The cobbled stone steps were even immortalised in film, featuring in the 1970 James Mason flick Spring and Port Wine.
But a resident who has lived in the area for most of her life has raised safety concerns about the darkness and the slippiness of the stairs.
How the steps look during a rainy day (Image: Public) Gail Jones, 57, has known Gorses Steps since she was a child, and says they used to get more light.
But after trees being planted and more trees self-seeding, she says the area can feel dark and dangerous.
Gail said: "They have just been neglected, it is awful because they have always been really nice.
"They put drainage in but it still floods right down the steps. And because there are trees over it, even in summer it doesn't dry for days.
Gail (Image: Public) "As you're going down the steps, to the right hand side it was absolutely gorgeous, it was just a field with lovely grass.
"I've got pictures of it from Spring 1970 on those steps, it was so clear, you used to be able to see right down to the bottom."
Read more: Steps at top-o'th'-Gorses at side of Leverhulme Park
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The steps in 1973 (Image: Newsquest) She added: "But now you have the trees, and you can't use the handrail because all the sap makes it sticky.
"Nobody comes and bothers with them, the big tree at the top is nearly touching the floor.
"I live at the top of the steps and the massive trees at the top block the light.
"We used to have people working in the parks, but there is no maintenance."
Gail thinks that some of the trees should be felled to allow for more light.
In the snow (Image: Public) She said: "They should cut them in the middle to let the light through. In daylight hours it is dark and people are scared to use them."
In response, a council spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the issues relating to the steps that lead into Leverhulme Park, especially those caused by the mature trees.
'Staff regularly check the area and take actions to ensure the steps are as accessible and safe as possible.
'While the trees may cause issues at times, we would only remove them if absolutely necessary, as they benefit the environment, are a haven for wildlife and are enjoyed by most visitors to the park.'
