A SCHOOL is being extended to provide facilities for a children's centre.

Washacre Primary School in Clough Avenue, Westhoughton, will have a new kitchen, cafe and staff facilities at the front of the building.

A new car park will also be built as part of the plan, which was given the go-ahead by Bolton Council's planning committee this week.

The extension will be built over the existing car park and 21 spaces will be provided in the new car park.

One resident objected to the proposed car park because it will be built on a grass area. The resident also feared it would create a meeting place for unruly youths.

The children's centre - similar to the SureStart centres in Bolton - will offer child and family health services, parental outreach, family support services and a Jobcentre Plus for parents who want to find employment.

Cllr David Wilkinson, who represents Westhoughton, said: "This will offer great support to parents at the difficult time of bringing up a child. It is very good news for the area and the school."

Another local councillor, Cllr Arthur Price, said: "This is an investment in our children."