PROPOSALS which would see huge areas of Bolton undergo significant regeneration are to be put before council chiefs today.

The executive cabinet will be asked to approve plans for the phased implementation of priority Key Development Proposals in Farnworth, Horwich, Little Lever and Westhoughton district centres.

Cllr Martyn Cox, regeneration cabinet member for Bolton Council, previously said that 2021 would be a “year of activity” for the borough.

Bolton Council adopted a masterplan for the area in July 2019 following a consultation with residents.

‪The document sets out objectives including a new community and civic hub in the heart of Farnworth, improved public realm and redeveloping the market precinct.

Farnworth was awarded more than £13m in December to transform its high street and another cash injection to support it will help bolster the area’s regeneration.

The cash will be used to turn Farnworth’s masterplan into reality, which includes the creation of a new community and civic hub and the redevelopment of the market precinct.

In addition to a £4m commitment to Farnworth to support the Future High Streets Fund from the Town Centres Fund, a public realm improvement scheme in Kearsley has been proposed for implementation.

This includes more than £200,000 to undertake improvement works to Kearsley precinct.

The plans will also provide trees and street furniture - seats and bollards - for the area.

Chair of the Farnworth steering group, Cllr Paul Sanders, said that the millions being poured into the area should have “a catalytic effect for further investments and improvements to come forward.”

He said: “The report going before the deputy leader details the excellent re-profiled business case of transformative improvements for Farnworth town centre. To date, the council’s capital commitment to the Farnworth scheme plus the £13.3million from Government will amount to £17.2m to deliver our priorities, including Farnworth Leisure Centre improvements and a central community hub.

“To ensure that Kearsley also benefits from funding available, a project has been endorsed by the Farnworth Town Centre Steering Group for big improvement works to Kearsley precinct.

“This investment should mean that the Kearsley precinct area and surrounding local businesses stand out to visitors and residents as a destination to visit, use and invest.

“The exciting upcoming investments in Kearsley and Farnworth should have a catalytic effect for further investments and improvements to come forward.”

The funding should encourage local business owners - although some have already said they believe high streets will never return to the same levels of footfall as there were prior to lockdown.

Diane Davies, 44, owns Caitlin Louise Candles at Farnworth Indoor Market and told The Bolton News that with more and more people working from home, “a lot of businesses will really, really struggle.”

She added: “When people work from home, they’re using their kettle instead of buying a coffee, and making their lunch instead of going to a bakery.”

Likewise, John Cotter, 47, owns computer refurbishing shop JP Micros and said online shopping is a thorn in the side of any local business.

He said: “I don’t think the footfall will come back, because people have become so used to online shopping on Amazon and eBay during lockdown.

“They will always be able to beat us on price.”

Neighbouring area Little Lever will also be seeing a huge influx of funds - which local councillor Sean Hornby said is the “biggest investment Little Lever has had in 40 years.”

Plans for the area include a series of ranked priorities, with nearly £3m being spent across the two phases.

Improvements to Town Centre Gateways, including the prevention of rat runs, increased signage and improved pedestrian routes from Tesco to the new health centre, are among the main priorities.

Other improvements focus on the existing square on the precinct and to shop fronts, as well as upgrades to Mytham Park.

Construction on the area’s new £3m library and health centre is due to be completed in July.

The Little Lever Library and Health Centre will be situated on the site of the former Tesco Metro on Foundry Street.

Cllr Hornby said traffic calming measures were a much-needed addition to the area.

He said: “The regeneration is trying to ensure more footfall into the town centre, but one of the problems we’ve had is that we haven’t been able to properly communicate with local businesses because of Covid. We have held some money back though and will be trying to organise to speak to businesses properly as soon as we can.”

“These funds are affecting us in a very positive way. Little Lever isn’t used to getting investment like this but long may it continue.”

Improvement works to Mytham Park, including the installation of new street furniture, could pave the way for future upgrades.

Plans have been drawn up for a feasibility study for a bowling pavilion and the refurbishment/ installation of a brand new bowling green with flood lighting.