DANGER land in Orford - a regular haunt for vandals - could be converted into parkland if proposals being considered get the go ahead.

Plans for the trouble spot, a former railway embankment at the corner of Hallfields Road and Norris Street, might see the site incorporated into nearby Orford Park.

Just this week motorist Alf Bolton, of Beattie Avenue, was targeted by louts loitering in the area, who hurled a brick through his windscreen and were able to easily escape along the path of the disused line.

The 68-year-old widower, who was returning from tending his wife May's grave at Warrington Cemetery, escaped from the incident shocked but unhurt.

He is now fearful of driving past the embankment and believes the consequences of another surprise attack could prove to be even more serious.

"Someone will get killed next time," said Mr Bolton, "I am terrified to go past there now."

People who witnessed the vandals tried to give chase but it is believed they ran off along the embankment.

Added Mr Bolton: "The embankment has been derelict for years and I'm wondering what is happening here. It took nearly five years to get the other side of the embankment removed."

Deputy council leader Mike Hannon has confirmed that a feasibility study is under way to address the land's future.

"It has been an ongoing problem and we are looking at a number of ideas for this area," said Clr Hannon, who expressed regret at Mr Bolton's ordeal.

"We could naturally extend the park and get it under proper control with the rangers there.

"This is an area where youths do hang out and we are hoping in the long term that it will be brought back into a positive use for the public."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.