CHANCELLOR Sajid Javid came to Bolton yesterday and promised investment in the borough’s NHS, council services and transport links.
Speaking at the town’s Lad’s and Girls Club he said: “We’ve been very clear that being one nation party means looking after all parts of the UK and that means levelling up across the country.
“When it comes to investment, first of all we will make sure that no part of the country is left behind.
“As I go around I hear that some people say it feels like the South-East gets more of a share of investment than the North. I think we need a better approach to that to make sure that towns like Bolton are not left behind. We haven’t given numbers in terms of regions but I think we have clearly shown that no part of the UK will be left behind."
He said improving Greater Manchester's transport network would be a priority.
Bolton Council leader Cllr David Greenhalgh said: "I am hopeful that the Chancellor's promises will turn into hard cash for the borough."
Mr Javid spoke to the Bolton News after attacking what he claimed was the Labour's manifesto's £1.2trillion cost.
He said it had a £385million 'black hole' that could only be filled by raising 12 taxes on low and middle income earners.
Rochdale-born Mr Javid told a small audience of Conservative activists and press: "I’m very pleased to be here at the Bolton Lad’s and Girls Club.
"When I were a lad, you wouldn’t have been able to keep me away from a place like this.
"When I was Home Secretary, and a bit more grown-up I saw the impact that Onside Youth Zones had in giving young people 'somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to'.
"It’s a real comfort to hard-working families to have services like this in the area.
"So I’m very proud that one of my first priorities as Chancellor was a £500million Youth Investment Fund.
"It was inspired by youth centres like this, and I hope has the potential to leave a legacy just as lasting.
"Amazingly, this club was founded 128 years ago.
"Back then, Bolton, Bury and Rochdale - where I’ve also been today – had the legacy of being boomtown milltowns.
"They’d been the engines of the Industrial Revolution.
"It’s clear there’s still a lot of pride around here - and there should be.
"But it’s also true that too much of that is about the past, rather than the present or future. "
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