February 2010 - Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

Bolton Scene 3Improving schoolsand job prospectsBest indoor marketBOLTON Market has beaten off stiffcompetition to be named the best indoormarket in Britain.The market, on Ashburner Street, wasjudged Britain's Best Indoor Market Hall bythe National Association of British MarketAuthorities at their Building Better Marketsconference.The market’s popularity has grown in thelast year - more than 2.5m people visit themarket annually.The new in-house cookery demonstrationkitchen was singled out for acclaim by thejudges who recognised the work being donethrough the facility to encourage healthyeating campaigns.Bolton Market was also highlighted lastyear as an example for struggling marketsto follow by the Retail Markets Alliance.The indoor and outdoor market is openTuesday and Thursday to Saturday, 9am to5pm. The car boot market is open Sunday,7.30am to 2pm.Building Schoolsfor the FutureBSF School Open Events- MarchThrough the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme all ofBolton's secondary schools will be rebuilt or refurbished and will give thelocal community access to sport, leisure and learning facilities.Find out what BSF means for your area and have your say about plans atyour local school at the BSF Open Events at each of our phase oneschools:Bolton Muslim Girls Thurs 4 March:7 - 8.30pmLadybridge High Weds 3 March: 7 - 8.30pm - Communityand(Ladybridge and Rumworth)Rumworth Special Weds 17 March: 7 - 8.30pm - Ladybridge parentsThurs 25 March: 7 - 8.30pm - Rumworth parentsLittle Lever Tues 16 March: 7 - 8.30pmSharples Tues 23 March: 7 - 8.30pmSmithillsThurs 18 March: 7 - 8.30pmWesthoughton Tues 9 March: 7 - 8.30pmMARKET TRADERS: The Hairy BikersCelebrity chefs with Tony France at his BoltonMarket stall, The Salmon King at last year'sBolton Food and Drink FestivalSee www.bolton.gov.uk/bsf for further information on BSF.LOCAL people aregoing to benefitfrom the rebuildingof Bolton’s secondaryschools.For Balfour BeattyEducation (BBE) haspledged to target up to60% of jobs on the schoolsites, in information technologyand management,at local people and businessesto help beat therecession.The rebuilding programmemeets the council’s‘achieving’ and ‘prosperous’aims to improve educationfor young people to givethem better opportunities inlife, while also immediatelyhelping the local economy.Last October, BBE wasselected by Bolton Counciland its partners to deliverBolton's Building Schools forthe Future (BSF) programme.It will rebuild or refurbishall of Bolton’s secondaryschools, and pupil referralunits, as well as those inBlackburn with Darwen,through a joint LocalEducation Partnership.In a separate contractBOLTON Council is toask tenants to consider aproposal to improve councilhomes.It is asking for their opinionsabout transfering theownership of its 18,200homes to a new-style Boltonat Home, in a scheme thatcould see millions of poundsinvested in Bolton’s councilhomes.The council’s Executivegave the green light inJanuary to begin the consultationprocess with plans tohold a ballot in summer.The council and Bolton atHome believe the proposedchange would unlock fundsto improve and maintainhomes and estates acrossBolton.If the transfer goes aheadthen £288 million of housingdebt will be written off andit would mean £124m isinvested in housing andimproving estates during thenext five years.Under current governmentrules, the council is notallowed to borrow all themoney needed to continueKier Education will rebuildthe Essa and Bolton StCatherine’s academies.Work experience opportunitieswill also be created tobetter prepare pupils for theworld of work and the localcommunity will be invited touse the new school facilitiesfor education and job training.The Balfour BeattyApprenticeships scheme willbring opportunities to localyoung people and BBE willalso support the new 14-19Diplomas by offering advicein architecture, construction,information technologyand site management, and tothe curriculum to boost student’scareer aspirations.Councillor Ebrahim Adia,Executive Member forChildren’s Services at BoltonCouncil, said: “The BuildingSchools for the Future projectis one of Bolton’s biggestever regeneration programmes,and it is great thatlocal people will be targetedfor employment, educationand training. Hopefully, thiswill be another step towardsensuring prosperity for all inBolton.”Tenants to decidecouncil house futureimproving houses to adecent standard. If thetransfer does not go aheadthen the council would onlybe able to invest £66m inhomes.The transfer will onlytake place if tenants givetheir backing in a ballot.Throughout the next fewmonths, tenants willreceive newsletters, aseries of roadshows willtake place and residentswill have the opportunity tohave their questionsanswered.Councillor Cliff Morris,Leader of Bolton Council,said: “The council does nothave the money to continueto meet the standards thattenants are telling us theywant to see. Since 2002,Bolton at Home has beenvery successful. However,the extra funding whichBolton at Home receivedended last year and thecouncil has been trying towork out how it maintainsand improves the quality ofhomes and estates in thefuture.”Thismonth...❯❯ Pages 5latest about newcampus❯❯ Page 7free bus extended❯❯ Page 9bus station plans❯❯ Page 10care for those in need❯❯ Page 11Essa Academy❯❯ Page 16Bolton Sports AwardsNextmonth...Look out for nextmonth’s Bolton Scenefor more about newdevelopments inBolton; informationabout new standardsin health and care;and news about thecouncil tax and budget.Contact Bolton Sceneon 01204 331021.Bolton Scene is published anddesigned by the Communications andMarketing Agency, Bolton Council, 2ndFloor, The Wellsprings, Bolton BL11US; printed on 100% recycled paperby Trinity Mirror Oldham Ltd,Hollingwood Avenue, Chadderton,Oldham OL9 8EP and distributed toevery household by RendezvousDistribution, West Quay Road, WinwickQuay, Warrington WA2 8TLRememberingthe HolocaustTHIS year’s HolocaustMemorial day marked the65th anniversary of theliberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau exterminationcamp.Soviet soldiers who liberatedit found several thousandemaciated survivors and thesmouldering remains of thegas chambers and crematoria.Auschwitz-Birkenau wasthe largest Nazi killing camp,murdering more than onemillion men, women and children.The ceremony in the townhall paid tribute to all communitiesaffected by theHolocaust.

4 Bolton SceneMeet your councillors...You can get in touch with your councillors by contacting Members’ Secretariat, Bolton Town Hall. You can send a letterc/o Members’ Secretariat, Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RU, phone 01204 331098 or email councillors@bolton.gov.ukAstley BridgeBradshaw Breightmet Bromley CrossConConConConConConLabLabConConConConHilary Fairclough Tel: 01204 592024Diana Brierley Tel: 07710 375215John Byrne Tel: 01204 523141Norman Critchley Tel: 01204 594311John Walsh Tel: 01204 840188Paul Brierley Tel: 07710 375215Lynda Byrne Tel: 01204 523141David Greenhalgh Tel: 07813 386415SurgeryFri Feb 26, 6.30-7.30pmDrummond Street Community CentreStuart Lever Tel: 01204 598218Surgeries Please contact your councillor for detailsWalter Hall Tel: 01204 525257SurgeryFri Feb 26, 7.30-8.30pmLongsight Methodist Church HallSurgeriesPlease call 01204 331098 for an appointmentArthur Norris Tel: 01204 388216SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsAlan Wilkinson Tel: 01204 305934SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsCrompton Farnworth Great Lever HalliwellLabLabLabLabLabLabLabLabLabLabLabSufrana Bashir-Ismail Tel: 01204 331098Hanif Darvesh Tel: 07715 048806Guy Harkin 01942 811932SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsMohammed Ayub Tel: 07838 119522Madeline Murray Tel: 01204 694092Mohammed Iqbal Tel: 07931 387234SurgeriesWed Feb 10, 5.30-6.30pmSure Start Centre, Leonard StreetWed Mar 10, 5.30-6.30pmSlaterfield Community CentreCliff Morris Tel: 01204 331098SurgeriesPlease call 01204 331098 for an appointmentLinda Thomas Tel: 07879 891129SurgeriesPlease call 01204 332090 for an appointmentAkhtar Zaman Tel: 07980 962826SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsHarper Green Heaton and Lostock Horwich and Blackrod Horwich North EastLabLabLabConConConConConConLib DemLib DemLib DemMargaret Clare Tel: 01204 383446Robert Allen Tel: 01204 451341John Raymond Barrow Tel: 01942 831461Stephen Rock Tel: 01204 437820Champak Mistry Tel: 01204 397522Laurence Williamson Tel: 01204 698247SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsF. Alan Rushton Tel: 01204 64597Colin Shaw Tel: 01204 844489SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsPat Barrow Tel: 01942 831461Michael Hollick Tel: 01204 697933SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsBarbara Ronson Tel: 01204 695742Robert Ronson Tel: 01204 695742SurgeriesMon Feb 15, 2-3pmBrazley Community CentreTues Mar 2, 7-8pmHorwich Public Hall, Lee LaneHulton Kearsley Little Lever and Darcy Lever RumworthConConConLabLib DemLib DemLabLabConLabLabLabPhil Ashcroft Tel: 01204 436814Andrew Morgan Tel: 01204 651905Alan Walsh Tel: 01204 431746SurgeryTues Mar 2, 7-8pmSt Bede’s School, off Morris Green LaneDerek Burrows Tel: 01204 791727SurgeriesFri Feb 26, 6-7pmKearsley and Farnworth Labour ClubSat Mar 6, 10-11am, Stoneclough CommunityCollege and 11am-12noon St. Stephen’s,Manchester RoadJohn Rothwell Tel: 01204 571262Margaret Rothwell Tel: 01204 571262SurgeriesPlease contact your councillor for detailsAnthony Connell Tel: 01204 576432Sean Hornby Tel: 07969 687981SurgeriesSat Feb 13, Feb 27 and Mar 13, 9.30-10.30amSt. Matthew’s Church, Market StreetMary Woodward Tel: 01204 578645SurgeriesSat Feb 20 and Mar 20,10.30-11.30amSt. Matthew’s Church, Market StreetDr Ebrahim Adia Tel: 01204 652862SurgeryThurs Mar 4, 6-7pmBrandwood SchoolIsmail Ibrahim Tel: 01204 331098Surgeries Please contact for an appointmentRosa Kay Tel: 01204 397760SurgerySat Mar 6, 10-11amEmmanuel Church HallSmithills Tonge with the Haulgh Westhoughton North & Chew Moor Westhoughton SouthLib DemLib DemLabLabLabLabConConConLabLib DemLib DemLabJean Cottam Tel: 01204 707271Surgeries Please contact your councillor for detailsJames Lord Tel: 01204 576544Surgeries Please contact your councillor for detailsNoel Spencer Tel: 01204 331098Surgeries Sat Feb 27, 9.30-10.30amSat March 6, 10.30-11.30amFarnworth Town HallRoger Hayes Tel: 01204 841008Carole Swarbrick Tel: 01204 492967SurgeriesSat Feb 27, 10-11amChorley Old Road Methodist HallThurs Mar 4, 7.30-8.30pmSmithills Sports CentreTues Mar 16, 7.30-8.30pmChurch Road SchoolRichard Silvester Tel: 01204 845318Surgery Tues Mar 1, 7-8pmChurch Road SchoolNicholas Peel Tel: 01204 459949Elaine Sherrington Tel: 01204 391092Frank R White Tel: 01204 527888SurgeriesEvery Monday 8-9pmTonge Ward Labour ClubJune Patricia Allen Tel: 01204 451341SurgerySat Mar 13, 10.30-11.30amWesthoughton Town HallChristine Wild Tel: 01204 591824SurgerySat Feb 13, 10.30-11.30amWesthoughton Town HallJohn Higson Tel: 01204 651397SurgerySat Feb 27, 10.30-11.30amWesthoughton Town HallDavid Chadwick Tel: 01942 818526Surgery Sat Feb 20, 10.30-11.30amWesthoughton Town HallJulia Silvester Tel: 01204 331098Surgery Sat Mar 20, 10.30-11.30amWesthoughton LibraryDavid Wilkinson Tel: 01942 819456Surgery Sat Mar 6, 10.30-11.30amWesthoughton Town Hall

Bolton Scene 5Bolton; the place to beStudents reachfor the skyHelp forbusinesssuccessCOURSES for those lookingto start up their ownbusiness are taking placethis and next month.They are being run byBusiness Bolton, the council’sservice for companiesand individuals needing helpwith work or managing theirbusiness.It is running a four-dayBusiness Enterprise Programmewhich looks into allparts of setting up and runninga new company.The programme takesplace on February 15, 16, 22and 23 at the EnterpriseCentre on WashingtonStreet.But if you receive BoltonScene too late there are furthercourses throughout theyearThe service is also holdingan Introduction to eBayshort course at TrinityChurch, Market Street,Farnworth, on March 11between 10am and 1pm.Come along to the freeworkshop and learn how tomake money in the comfortof your own home.The course is open toeveryone.It will show you how to setup an eBay site; get a perfectlisting; increase yoursales; reduce costs, packagingand postage and build anonline business.For further information orto book places on the course,please contact Farook Atchaon 01204 336223.PICTURED is the latest view of the new education development being built between Deane Road (7) and therailway line (2).The £90m development will see Bolton Community College and Bolton Sixth Form College sit side-by-side using facilities fit for the 21stcentury. The aerial photo highlights some of the new buildings and facilities in the development.Point 1 is the new construction skills and arts building alongside the newly opened Deane Road multi-storey car park (A), which is for everyone notjust students.The rotunda (3) is a focal point of the redevelopment: aglazed, three-storey structure housing a number of flexiblespaces, classrooms, and café. On either side is the sportshall and gymnasium (6), and classroom and office space (4),with state-of-the-art hair and beauty salons (5) towards thefront.The new Bolton Sixth Form College building (8) completesthe development opposite the University of Bolton, at theheart of the town’s £300m Innovation Zone. The developmentalso includes a new training restaurant.Students will be taught in modern facilities to make themost of career opportunities – both key aims of the counciland its partners. The zone will also include Bolton One (B)the new swimming pool, health and academic centre.28.43%31.39%24.45%27.42%Oct Nov Dec Jan27.87%28.54%31.97%31.27%32.44%27.28%22.76%Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec*Latest recycling rates October 2008 - December 200932.97%33.72%31.76%29.71%For the latestcouncil news seewww.bolton.gov.ukfor BoltonWhen you have finished withthis newspaper please recycle it.This newspaper is printed on100% recycled paper*December provisional

6 Bolton SceneEvery day your councilspends £11,200keeping streetscleanDid you also know;£350,000 hasimproved Farnworth andHorwich pools46% of pupils achievedfive or more GCSE grades A* toC, an increase of 2% from theprevious year246 people have gainedwork through ‘The workshop’ in the last six months139 fewer people fellvictim to crime in the towncentre in December than inthe previous year3000+ tonnes of grithave been used this winter37 households are intemporary accommodation, halfthe number from last year… and much more!To find out what else the councildoes for you visit www.bolton.gov.ukcalculations based on average working and school days

Free shuttlebus drives onBOLTON’S free bus service has beenextended until the end of the year.The Metroshuttle will continue to take passengersaround the town centre following the successful pilotscheme.The service is jointly funded by Bolton Council and theGreater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority. Thebuses were expected to attract 260 passengers per day.However, latest figures show usage at an average of 326 perday – almost a quarter more than anticipated.Maytree Travel has taken over the running of the serviceafter successfully tendering for the contract. The buses alsohave a new look.Councillor John Byrne, Executive Member forDevelopment, said: “This is great news for the public andwe can hopefully see more people hopping on and off thebuses over this year. Overall users are really satisfied withmore than three quarters of users recently surveyed verysatisfied with the service. We hope that many more peoplecontinue to enjoy using the service.”The service operates on a 10 minute circular route aroundthe town centre with a total of 12 stops, connecting therailway station via Newport Street with the bus station viaBlack Horse Street. The route was revised to include anadditional stop at Sainsbury’s last March.Operating hours of the service have also been tailored torespond to demand, with the new service in operation from9pm to 5pm.Roadworksget £3mboostAN EXTRA £3m will beinvested in repairing potholesduring the next fewmonths.Like other towns andcities across the country,Bolton’s roads have beenaffected by the coldestweather snap in the last30 years.The snow and freezingconditions have resulted in asignificant increase in thenumber of potholes and generaldeterioration of roads.Work will start immediatelyto improve the mainroutes and key residentialroads across the borough.The extra funding comesfrom diverting £1m fromthe current highways programmeand a further £2mwill be found as part of the2010/11 budget settingprocess.Councillor Cliff Morris,Leader of Bolton Council,said: "These are exceptionalcircumstances and we haveto act quickly to tackle theproblems caused by thesevere weather."Greater local sayWORKING TOGETHER: The leader of the 10 authorities andwith Phil Woolas MP, Minister of State at the Treasury andMinister for the North West (seated left) signing the agreementA GROUNDBREAKINGagreement between the 10local authorities in GreaterManchester and the governmenthas been signed.As Bolton Scene featuredlast month it means theregion has much more of asay in its own destiny. Newpowers and responsibilitiesinclude:• Freedom to identity thepriorities for the economyand offer opportunitiesthat can attract and motivateall those who live,work and do business inthe area• A single allocation forplaces in schools forfurther education for 16 to19-year-olds (except forFREE SERVICE: Celebrating the extension of the free metroshuttle are, from left: Cllr JohnByrne, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Development; Cllr David White, Chairmanof GMITA's Bus Network; andGary Hawthorne, ManagingDirector of Maytree Travel,academies).• A greater say in how housingfunding is spent.• Projects to improve people’sskills, increaseemployment, support childrenin their earliest yearsand to look at new waysof providing services fordeprived neighbourhoods.• A commitment to improvesharing of data betweenpublic agencies and localauthorities.• More local influence overlicensing of private landlords.• A commitment to examinehow the area can assumegreater transport responsibilitiesand influence.Bolton Scene 7Help to fundcharitiesYOU can help to raisemoney for local charitieswith a wealth of fund raisingideas in a new pack.The Big Bolton Fund haslaunched its first everfundraising pack and anexciting new calendar ofevents to encourage thecommunity to get involved insupporting local charities.The fund provides grantsfor community and voluntarygroups in Bolton whichhelp small communitygroups pay for projects thatmake a difference to thelives of local people.The money comes fromdonations from individualsand businesses, which arematched by the government,and are invested in a fundwhich then pays out grantsto local groups.The scheme is managedby Bolton Community andVoluntary Services and supportedby the council.The events calendar hassomething for everyonefrom the Mayor’s Mile to theYorkshire Three Peaks challenge.If you would like to knowmore about getting involvedin the Big Bolton Fund visitthewebsite:www.boltoncvs.org.uk/howto-donateor call MarissaHankinson on 07977 170422.

8 Bolton SceneHandy phone numbers...Bolton Council runs a host of services onyour behalf and on this page youʼll find thetelephone numbers of some of the mostpopular ones.General enquiries – if you cannot find thenumber you require please contact the maincouncil number: 01204 333333. If you havehearing problems please use our Textphonenumber - 01204 331926Out of hours emergencies – if you need tocontact the council out of office hours in the eventof an emergency please call 01204 336900.Social care out of hours emergencies – if youface a sudden unexpected emergency and youthink social services can help please call 01204337777.www.bolton.gov.ukAAbandoned vehicles - police 0161 872 5050Adoption 01204 337480Albert Halls box office 01204 334400Antisocial behaviour 0161 8725050in an emergency ring 999Archives and local studies 01204 332185Area Offices- Blackrod 01204 331564- Farnworth One Stop Shop 01204 331818- Horwich 01204 331844- Little Lever 01204 332360- Westhoughton 01942 634510BBenefits – Housing and Council Tax 01204 331590Bins 01204 336632Blocked drains – private homes 0845 602 0406(for council properties, pleasecontact your housing office)Blue badges 01204 337266Bus passes- education/school 01204 332139- older people 0161 2441050- people with disabilities 01204 337244Business Rate payments 01204 331730CCar parks 01204 336352Careline 01204 335733CCTV Cameras 01204 336902Cemeteries 01204 334499Commercial waste 01204 336644Composting 01204 336633Consumer advice 0845 4040506Contaminated land 01204 336500Council Tax- general enquiries 01204 331599- payments 01204 331634- summons 01204 338025Crimestoppers – Police 0800 555 111DDisabled badges – parking 01204 337266Dog wardens 01204 336552EEducation Maintenance Allowance 08001 218989Educational special needs 01204 338653Elections office 01204 331248Environmental health 01204 336500Equipment for people with disabilities 01204 337020FFood control 01204 336500Footpaths and rights of way 01204 336487Fostering 0800 107 1564GGraffiti removal 01204 336632Grass cutting/grounds maintenance 01204 336926HHomecare general enquiries 01204 338027Homeless Welfare 01204 335830Housing advice 01204 335900LLand charges 01204 331137Leisure centres- Excel Centre 01204 334456- Farnworth 01204 334477- Harper Green 01204 334234- Hayward 01204 334233- Horwich (with pool) 01204 334488- Kearsley 01204 334141- Ladybridge (with pool) 01204 334432- Leverhulme Park Community Club 01204 334272- Little Lever 01204 334177- Sharples (with pool) 01204 334224- Smithills 01204 467200- Turton (with pool) 01204 334440- Westhoughton (with pool) 01942 634810- Withins 01204 334133Libraries- Renewals/information (24hrs) 01204 332384- Library Link – services for the 01204 338755housebound- Central 01204 333173Licensing 01204 336584Litter 01204 336632MMarkets 01204 336825Mayor’s Office 01204 331090Meals on wheels 01204 333365Museums, art galleries and gardens- Aquarium 01204 332200- Art Gallery 01204 332211- Hall i’th’Wood Museum 01204 332370- Smithills Hall and Gardens 01204 332377- Museum 01204 332211NNoisy neighbours – private property 01204 336500(council tenants should contact yourlocal housing office)Neighbourhood Housing Offices- Blackrod 01204 331564- Brownlow Way 01204 335971- Chorley Old Road (Johnson Fold) 01204 335285- Farnworth One Stop Shop 01204 331830- Farnworth, Kearsley & Little Lever 01204 335133- Great Lever 01204 335154- Horwich 01204 331841- Deane and Westhoughton 01204 335500- Little Lever 01204 335544- North Breightmet 01204 335613- Tonge Moor 01204 335298- Westhoughton 01942 634512PParking fines 01204 336352Parks enquiries 01204 336926Pest control 01204 336553Planning enquiries 01204 336000Pollution control 01204 336500RRecycling 01204 336633Registrar – births, marriages, deaths 01204 331185Repairs to council homes 01204 338200Roads and pavements repairs 01204 336600Road safety 01204 336465Roadworks 01204 336600Rubbish 01204 336632SSchool- Admissions enquiries – primary 01204 332143- Admissions enquiries – secondary 01204 332137- Crossing patrols service 01204 336465- Free school meals 01204 331590- Uniform enquiries 01204 331590Sharps hotline – discarded needles 0800 731 9835Shopmobility 01204 392946Street cleaning 01204 336632Street lighting and faulty street lights 01204 336667TTextphone 01204 331926Trading standards 01204 336593Tree enquiries 01204 334027WWelfare Rights Advice line 01204 380460YYouth Services 01204 333333

Keepyour carsafe andsecureAS THE snow disappearsand drivers get back on theroads, the Be Safe partnershipis urging them to keeptheir car secure.Follow these easy tips tokeep your car secure thiswinter:• Lock the doors and closeall windows and when youleave the car. Make surethe boot is locked.• Never leave anything ondisplay when you leaveyour car, even for a minute– loose change, a CD orwrapping paper can tempta thief.• Never leave sat navs ondisplay, and wipe away thesuction marks from thewindscreen. Don’t leavethe sat nav system in theglove compartment orunder the seat – a thiefknows where to look.• Park with care – if possiblepick a busy area with lightingand CCTV or a ParkMark car park (securityapproved).• When parking at home,always use your garage ifyou have one, and lockboth your vehicle and yourgarage. If you don't have agarage, try to park in awell-lit, open place or adrive.• Mark all your valuablebelongings with your postcode,house number orfirst two letters of yourhouse name, with a UVpen.• Never leave the keys inthe ignition, even if youare just nipping to pay forpetrol, into your garage, orscraping ice off your windscreen.• Consider purchasing aprofessionally fitted caralarm.• Use electronic engineimmobilisers.• Use a steering wheel lockevery time you leave yourvehicle – it only works ifyou actually use it!• Keep car keys out of sightat home – burglars willlook for car keys in ahouse, so they can stealyour car as well.For more tips on keepingyour home and belongingssafe, visit the websitewww.immobilise.comFor the latestcouncil news seewww.twitter.com/boltoncouncilHave your sayabout bus plansNEW STATION: The plan shows the site for the new bus stationPEOPLE are beingasked for their opinionsabout plans fora new bus station inBolton town centre.Greater ManchesterIntegrated TransportAuthority and BoltonCouncil have proposedcreating a brand new busstation on land next toBolton railway station.The land is currently usedfor car parking and liesbetween Newport Street andGreat Moor Street.The new bus station wouldreplace the existing stationat Moor Lane and offerimproved links between railand bus services, as well asimproved waiting areas,passenger facilities, accessibility,information, and safetyand security.Proposals include a directpedestrian bridge linking thebus and train station;GMPTE Travelshop; toiletsand waiting areas; shops andcafé; Shop Mobility facility;cycle parking and CCTV.Views are being soughtabout the proposals beforea planning applicationOffenders offer lifeline to elderlyOFFENDERS carrying out community service aspart of their punishment helped to clear snow and icelast month.They are taking part in the Community Payback schemewere members of the public can recommend projects forthem to carry out.The offenders cleared snow and ice from around StGeorge’s Court, off St Georges Road, were many of the residentshad been housebound after the big freeze descended.Paula MacLeod, Community Support Officer, is the wardenat St George’s Court, and said: “The work they’ve carriedout is absolutely brilliant and I can’t thank them enoughbecause it’s provided a lifeline for the residents.“Many of the residents couldn’t walk up the path to get tothe bus stop. Obviously a fall can have serious consequences.being submitted to BoltonCouncil’s planning departmentin the spring.Comments received willfeed into the ongoing designand development work forthe facility which, subject tosecuring the necessaryapprovals and permissions,could be operational by thewinter 2014-15.The scheme is being fundedthrough the GreaterManchester Transport Fundand forms an integral part ofBolton Council's town centreregeneration programme.The consultation runsuntil March 5 and an exhibitionof the plans is on displayat the Moor Lane bus stationTravelshopComments can be madeby emailing boltoninterchange@gmpte.gov.uk,bywriting to GMPTE BoltonInterchange Consultation,FREEPOST RRHE-RKUU-KSJY, Manchester M1 3BG,or by logging on towww.gmpte.com/haveyoursay.For more informationabout the proposals, call0161 244 1587.“We have a massive car park and it’s been a nightmaretrying to get it cleared so cars can gain access. It now meansit’s much easier for health carers and visitors.”She called the Justice Seen, Justice Done hotline to recommendthe project.“The team has been ever so friendly, they’ve even pushedcars and vans that were stuck on the car park to get themfree. It’s a real punishment, I wouldn’t want to be out therein this weather chipping ice,” she added.Community Payback is run by Greater ManchesterProbation Trust with support from Bolton Council, andteams are also carrying out other clearance projects acrossthe town.Members of the public can recommend projects by calling01204 336500 or emailing payback@bolton.gov.ukBolton Scene 9MaturedriversseminarDRIVERS aged 50 and overhave another opportunitythis year to keep up withtheir skills at a free maturedrivers’ seminar onTuesday, March 9.The event will take placeat Bolton Arena from 10amto noon and is aimed at driverswho feel they wouldbenefit from tips from theprofessionals.The session will include apresentation about safer drivingand a copy of theHighway Code will be givenout to each delegate on theday.The seminars arearranged by Bolton Councilwith Bolton AdvancedMotorists. Places are limitedso to book a place callBolton Council’s RoadSafety Team on 01204336465.No driving is required onthe day, but everyoneattending will be offered thechance to book a free followupdriving assessment, at alater date, in their own car.Drivers can select either abronze, silver or gold level ofassessment, which will becarried out by BoltonAdvanced Motorists.Refreshments will be providedat the event.Sherry bringsfestive cheerRESIDENTS and partygoersin Bolton enjoyedmore of a trouble-freeChristmas, as OperationSherry slashed crime acrossthe town centre by morethan a third.Overall, 139 fewer peoplefell victim to crime inDecember in the town centrecompared to last year,including 45 fewer shopliftingoffences.The December crackdownsaw the council, police andother agencies workingclosely together.More than 1500 bottles ofwater were handed out torevellers at weekends toencourage them to pacetheir drinks.During the day, activitiesto target vehicle crime, pickpocketingand shopliftingtook place, with CCTV closelymonitored and truancysweeps carried out.Taxi marshals were inplace to make sure peoplegot home safely at the end oftheir night out and StreetAngels were also on hand tooffer assistance, and giveout bottled water and BeSafe and Party leaflets.For more informationabout community safetyvisitwww.besafebolton.org.uk

12 Bolton SceneDo the big swapfor fair tradeTaking up thechains of officeFAIR SUPPORT: Local singing sensation, Laura White hassigned up to supporting the Fairtrade Big Swap campaignSHOPPERS are being encourage to swap their usual purchasesfor Fairtrade goods later this month.The Big Swap is a national campaign during FairtradeFortnight (February 22 to March 7). For the two weeksFairtrade in Bolton is asking people to swap their usualbananas for Fairtrade bananas; usual cotton socks forFairtrade cotton socks; and usual cuppa for a Fairtradecuppa. Every time they go shopping, they can use theirpurse or wallet to make a stand for justice in internationaltrade.The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Norman Critchley andpatron of Fairtrade in Bolton, will host a Fairtrade Tea andCoffee event on Thursday February 25 from 11am-2pm inthe Artillery Suite on the first floor of Bolton Town Hall. Thetea and coffee will be free.There will also be a Fairtrade and Local Produce marketat the Festival Hall on Saturday March 6 from 10am-4pm.There will be more than 30 stalls with Fairtrade clothing,handicrafts, jewellery, coffee, tea, chocolate, candy floss,organic meat, organic fruit and vegetables and much more.COUNCILLOR John Byrne willswap bicycle chains for thechains of office in May.He will become Bolton’s first citizenin May, taking over the mayoralchains from Councillor NormanCritchley.Councillor Byrne, a keen cyclist, hasrepresented Breightmet for 18 years andhas joined in annual 60 mile charity bikerides for the last four years.In his long-standing council career hehas been vice-chairman of planning andheld four different positions on theExecutive.Councillor Byrne said: “I’m very proudto be chosen to represent 263,000 people.It’s a huge honour and I look forward toraising the profile of Bolton and helping inwhatever way I can to build up the townduring my year in office.”An engineer by trade, Councillor Byrnehas been a housing officer at Bury SixTown Housing for the last eight years. Todevote time to being the town’s first citizen,he will be taking a year long sabbaticalfrom his job and his wife CouncillorLinda Byrne will be by his side asMayoress.During his time as mayor, CouncillorByrne will be raising money for charitiesconnected to Alzheimers, dyslexia, braintumours and strokes.He said: “I’ve not decided which charitiesI will be supporting but all of theseillnesses are connected with my familyand they’re all very close to my heart.”Councillor Byrne anticipates a busyyear ahead with mayoral duties but hopesto still fit time in for cycling and his otherhobbies, which include football and goingto the gym.MAYORAL COUPLE: Cllrs John and Linda Byrne will take over the mayoral officein May and are pictured with Gus their dogYoungsters’ lives on filmTaking upYOUNG people in GreatLever have taken the firststep to a film makingcareer.For their film ‘Journeyhome’ has picked up anaward.They are members of theGreat Lever NeighbourhoodManagement Youth InvolvementTeam. ‘JourneyHome’ looks at the experiencesof Emmanuel andMoses, two young refugeebrothers from Sudan, andthe issues they faced in movingto Great Lever.The film is fictional, but isbased on an original idea byteam member Smit Pateland draws on the real lifeexperiences of the team.They learned a lot aboutthe experiences of refugeesand asylum seekers andexamined their own attitudesto accepting newcomersinto their schools andcommunity.As well as acting, theyoungsters helped to scriptand direct the film.They also put together aworkshop pack and willbe taking it out into thecommunity to work withgroups, schools and youthclubs to encourage discussionaround the issuesraised in the film.Their hard work on thefilm was recognised at theBolton at Home CustomerInvolvement Awards, winningthe team the ‘MostCreative Project of the Year2009’.Members of the team collectedthe trophy and acheque for £100 from actressKatherine Kelly, who playsBecky in Coronation Street),JOURNEY HOME: Members of the team who created the filmat a ceremony at BoltonTown Hall.Community workshop sessionsbased on the film willbe arranged in the nearfuture.Any youth groups, communitygroups or schoolsinterested in taking part canring Lorraine Hogg on338757.activitiesYOUNG people in TongeMoor and the Haulgh aretaking up activities thanksto their local area forum.sessions have been held sofar, with more planned forthe near future.It is just one example ofThe Tonge with the how funding from areaHaulgh Area Forum is forums is making a realworking with the CastleHill Centre to provide footballdifference to local communities.Everyone is welroadfor the under 12s; offcomeat the forums. Ifcycling and indoorbike skills. The project isbeing funded by a £10,000you’d like to have your sayon your area and wheremoney should be spent,grant from the Positive come along and make aContribution Fund. real difference.The off-road cycling, For further informationsupported by the council’syouth service, has provedto be a massive successwith high levels of attendancefrom young people.and updates on your AreaForum visit the website:www.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/AreaForums or call01204 331252 or turn toFour Saturday morning page 10.

Bolton Scene 13

14 Bolton SceneNotice of intention to make a gating orderSection 129A Highways Act 1980Alleyways: at rear of Crawford Avenue and at rear of Woodfield Street(Back Woodfield Street), BoltonThe Borough Council of Bolton (“the Council”)proposes for the purposes of reducing crime andantisocial behaviour to make an Order preventinganyone, other than those persons specified in theOrder, from using the alleyways (“the Highways”),described in Schedule 1, to this Notice. The Highwaysare shown edged black and marked as ʻ1ʼ, ʻ2ʼand ʻ3ʼon the respective attached Order plans E and F. Therestrictions shall apply at all times. The Order willexempt any registered owner of, or person who livesin, premises adjoining the Highways, emergencyservices personnel, statutory undertakers and utilityproviders, persons and/or vehicles required, wherenecessary, in connection with maintenance work orother function of the Council, from the restriction.In respect of the Highways at rear of Crawford Avenue,Bolton, the alternative route for pedestrians andvehicles is available by using the highways to the sideof 21, Crawford Avenue and to the front of 21 to 3,Crawford Avenue. In respect of the Highways at therear of Woodfield Street, (Back Woodfield Street),Bolton, the alternative route for pedestrians andvehicles is available by using the highways to thefront of 1 to 35, Woodfield Street as shown by dottedlines on the attached plans E and F. The draft of theproposed Order is set out in Schedule 2 to thisNotice.A copy of the Councilʼs statement of reasons formaking the Order, plans and other associated papersare available for inspection at the Highways andEngineering Development Services, 4th FloorWellsprings, Civic Centre, Bolton, during normal officehours.A copy of this Notice can be viewed by visiting theCouncilʼs website at www.bolton.gov.uk/alleygatingObjections or representations to the proposal shouldstate the grounds on which they are made and senteither by e-mail to (David.Howarth@bolton.gov.uk) orby writing to me (David Howarth) at the addressbelow not later than 26th March 2010.Dated 26th February 2010A. R. EastwoodDirector of Chief Executives DepartmentTown HallBoltonBL1 1RUSchedule 1Alleyways to be GatedAlleyway situate to the side of 3, Crawford Avenue,the rear of 18 to 24, Chadwick Street and the rear of106, Castle Street, Bolton, shown marked ʻ1ʼ onPlan E;Alleyway situate to the rear of 3 to 21, CrawfordAvenue and to the rear of 106 to 114, Castle Street,Bolton, shown marked ʻ2ʼ on Plan E;Alleyway situate to the rear of 114, Castle Street andthe side of 21, Crawford Avenue, Bolton, shownmarked ʻ3ʼ on Plan E;Alleyway (Back Woodfield Street), situate to the sideof 1, Woodfield Street, to the rear of 37 to 31,Bradford Road, and to the side the Asia Mill, Bolton,shown marked ʻ1ʼ on Plan F;Alleyway (Back Woodfield Street), situate to the rearof 1 to 35, Woodfield Street and to the side of the AsiaMill, Bolton, shown marked ʻ2ʼ on Plan F;Alleyway (Back Woodfield Street), situate to the sideof 35, Woodfield Street, Bolton, shown marked ʻ3ʼ onPlan F;Schedule 2Draft gating order - Section 129A Highways act 1980BOROUGH COUNCIL OF BOLTON (AT REAR OFCRAWFORD AVENUE AND AT REAR OFWOODFIELD STREET (BACK WOODFIELDSTREET), BOLTON) ORDER 2010The Borough Council of Bolton, in exercise of itspower under Section 129A(1) of the Highways Act1980 (“the Act”) and of all other enabling powers andbeing satisfied that the conditions set out in Section129A(3) of the Act have been met hereby make thefollowing Order:1. Except as provided in Article 2 of this Order noperson shall use the public rights of way over thealleyways (“the Highways”) shown edged black andmarked as ʻ1ʼ, ʻ2ʼ and ʻ3ʼ on the respective plans ʻEʼand ʻFʼ annexed to this Order and described in theSchedule to this Order, at any time.2. The restriction in Article 1 of this Order shall notapply to any registered owner of, or person wholives in, premises adjoining the Highways, or to anypolice, ambulance or fire service personnel, actingin pursuance of statutory powers or duties or to anystatutory undertaker, gas, electricity, water, orcommunications provider requiring access to theirapparatus situated in the Highway, or persons and/or vehicles required, where necessary, inconnection with maintenance work or other functionof the Council.3. Barriers may be installed, operated and maintainedat each end of the Highways. MaintenanceEngineer, Environmental Services, EngineeringProjects, 3rd Floor Wellsprings, Civic Centre,Bolton BL1 1US and Neighbourhood ProjectOfficer, Bolton At Home, 1-3, The Courtyard, TheValley, Bolton BL1 8PD are responsible formaintaining and operating any barriers. Theircontact telephone numberʼs are MaintenanceEngineer (01204) 336427 and NeighbourhoodProject Officer, (01204) 335484.4. The alternative route for pedestrians and vehiclesin respect of the Highways at rear of CrawfordAvenue, Bolton, which is available for use duringthe period the Highways are restricted are thehighways to the side of 21, Crawford Avenue andto the front of 21 to 3, Crawford Avenue, as shownby dotted lines on plan E annexed to this Order.The alternative route for pedestrians and vehiclesin respect of the Highways at rear of WoodfieldStreet (Back Woodfield Street), which is availablefor use during the period the Highways arerestricted are the highways to the front of 1to 35,Woodfield Street, as shown by dotted lines onplan F annexed to this Order.5. This Order will be operativefrom……………………………………………….COMMON SEAL of THEBOROUGH COUNCIL OFBOLTON was hereto affixedon the day of200 , in the presence of:-Authorised Sealing OfficerScheduleAlleyways to be gatedAlleyway situate to the 3, Crawford Avenue, the rearof 18 to 24, Chadwick Street and the rear of 106,Castle Street, Bolton, over its full width and anapproximate length of 40 metres shown marked ʻ1ʼon Plan E;Alleyway situated to the rear of 3 to 21, CrawfordAvenue and to the rear of 106 to 114, Castle Street,Bolton, over its full width and an approximate lengthof 50 metres shown marked ʻ2ʼ on Plan E;Alleyway situate to the rear of 114, Castle Street andthe side of 21, Crawford Avenue, Bolton, over its fullwidth and an approximate length of 40 metres shownmarked ʻ3ʼ on Plan E;Alleyway (Back Woodfield Street), situate to the sideof 1, Woodfield Street, to the rear of 37 to 31,Bradford Road, and to the side the Asia Mill, Bolton,over its full width and an approximate length of 21metres shown marked ʻ1ʼ on Plan F;Alleyway (Back Woodfield Street), situate to the rearof 1 to 35, Woodfield Street and to the side of the AsiaMill, Bolton, over its full width and an approximatelength of 87 metres shown marked ʻ2ʼ on plan F;Alleyway (Back Woodfield Street), situate to the sideof 35, Woodfield Street, Bolton, over its full width andan approximate length of 19 metres shown marked ʻ3ʼon plan F;

Bolton Scene 15Somethingfor everyoneTUCK IN: James Martin was one of the hits at last year’sfood and drink festivalFun in Bolton town centreTHIS year promisesfun for everyone asBolton town centregears uptain you.to enter-• The One Bolton Festival(June 19 to July 17)returns to celebrate theborough’s communityspirit and history. Frommusic and mediaevalmarkets to the Spirit ofBolton event celebratingthe different religionsand communities in theborough, there was somethingfor everyone lastyear. Look out for detailsof the programme later inthe year.• The supreme athletescompeting in one of theworld’s toughest sportingchallenges return to theborough. The gruelling140 mile Ironman UKTriathlon will feature achange to last year’s routewith the 2.4 mile swim atPennington Flash inLeigh; the 112 mile bikeride through Lancashireand the 26.2 mile runfrom Leigh to Bolton towncentre. It takes place onSunday August 1.• This year’s Bolton Foodand Drink Festival willtake place on August 27-30with a whole range of tastytreats and marvellousmenus planned to surpasslast year’s successfulevents.• And book ThursdayNovember 25 into yourdiary for the traditionalChristmas Lights SwitchOn, followed by festivemarkets leading up toDecember 25.But that’s not all.Shoppers to Bolton towncentre will be entertainedthroughout the summerweekends as a whole varietyof performers come to town.Acts this month and inMarch are:• The return of Titan theRobot on SaturdayFebruary 20• The Grand Theatre ofLemmings with theirMechanical Morris Menstreet theatre on SaturdayFebruary 27• Eagley Brass Bandperform at the LocalProduce Market onSunday February 28• Comedy juggling to musicfrom Ian Marchant onSaturday March 6• Street theatre from Jonesand Barnard on SaturdayMarch 13• Tightrope show fromBernie Bennett onSaturday March 20• Spectacular acrobaticcomedy dancing fromStrictly Dumb Prancingon Saturday March 27• Jazz from Bolton’sBourbon St Roof Raiserson Sunday March 28Look out for furthertown centre entertainmentthroughout the year.See also the websitewww.boltonlife.org.ukPOPULAR ATTRACTION: The knifefish was nicknamed‘Mack’ by visitorsFarewell topopular fishTHE most popular live exhibit at Bolton’s aquarium hassadly passed away.The Giant Green Knifefish died of natural causes. A popularattraction with visitors of all ages, the fish had lived atthe aquarium for 10 years and was approximately 13 yearsold when it died.At more than four foot long and weighing six pounds, itssize was probably its main attraction. It was believed to bethe largest of its species in the world and the only one livingin captivity in the UK. The knifefish arrived at the aquariumin 2000 as a rescue fish when its previous owner found it toobig to keep.They are usually found in Venezuela and don’t normallylive as long in the wild as in captivity.New look forchildren’s libraryA TOTAL refurbishment of the Children’s Library at BoltonCentral Library, based on Le Mans Crescent, has takenplace.Improvements include: an under fives’ area with picturebook tunnels; a children’s area with reading hideaway; anda teenagers’ space with computers and funky sofas.Library staff consulted on the refurbishment with pupilsfrom Lever Edge Primary School and as a result decided tointroduce bright colours and bean bags and revamp the fishtank.Executive Member for Adult and Community Services,Councillor Elaine Sherrington, said: “We would like toapologise for any inconvenience caused during the work.However, the end result is a welcome improvement forlibrary visitors.”Pools boostfor swimmingTWO of the borough’s pools have re-opened afterbeing refurbished.As Bolton Scene featured last month both Farnworth andHorwich pools have reopened after having work done tothem. As part of the government’s free swimming scheme,Bolton received almost £350,000 to modernise two of itsswimming pools.Farnworth received £170,000 and Horwich £177,000 andthis was topped up with extra funding from the council andBolton Community Leisure Trust.At Farnworth Leisure Centre there were repairs to thedrainage, circulation system and new reception and publicviewing areas.Horwich had repairs to the roof, a new ceiling, new lightingand upgrading of the balcony and pool viewing area.For more information about community leisure centres inBolton visit http://www.boltonleisure.comSWIMMING SCHEMES: Councillor Cliff Morris opened the new look pool at Farnworth leisure centre

[ LifeEvents, sport, festivals, cultureVote for Bolton’stop sports starsDO YOU knowanyone or a sportsclub or team thathas made anoutstanding contributionto sport inthe borough duringthe past year?There’s still time tomake a nomination forthe 2009 Bolton Sportand Physical ActivityAwards. The closingdate is March 12.The sixth annual awardsare supported by the BoltonSports and PhysicalActivity Alliance and will bepresented at a ceremony atthe Reebok Stadium onFriday April 23.The awards honour thecontributions to sport andphysical activity made bylocal individuals, clubs andteams last year.Categories include Clubof the Year, Coach of theYear, Sports Achiever,Disabled Sports Achiever,Unsung Hero, andVolunteer. The winners willrepresent Bolton at theGreater Manchester SportsAwards to be held inNovember.A number of extraawards will also be made toreflect the growing andimportant role that sportand physical activity playsin promoting healthylifestyles and pride in thecommunity. These awardsare for Active Achieverof the Year, Senior andSchool Sports teams,Contributions to SchoolSports, Mentor of the Yearand Young Volunteer.Full details of the BoltonSport and Physical ActivityAwards and nominationforms for the categoriescan be on the BoltonCouncilwebsitewww.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/Sportsinformationandbooking and the GreaterManchester Sport website:www.greatersport.co.ukFor further informationcontact the council’s SportHealth and InclusionService on 01204 334237.AWARD WINNERS: Last year’s winners at the ceremony at the Reebok StadiumMake a splashwithout splashingout16 or under or 60 or over?Then swim for free at your local centre65 or over?You can get free leisure activities tooFor further information visit our websitebelow or contact your local leisure centrewww.bolton.gov.uk/freebie