A piece of green land in a heavily residential area will not be sold off it has been confirmed ­— and other spaces which could been seen as 'valuable' could be saved as a result of the campaign.

Open space on Telford Street in Horwich was listed for 'disposal' for the second time this year with local councillors arguing against plans to sell it.

And now councillors Marie Brady, Kevin McKeon and Richard Silvester are working to improve the plot so it can be enjoyed by more people.

Horwich North East councillors were first consulted on Telford Street disposal in December 2020 and they strongly objected with the plans being deferred.

Disposal was opened for consultation again in July 2022 and councillors again argued against it being sold, saying that one of the few remaining greenspace areas in what is a mainly built up area could be lost.

In a statement to The Bolton News, the councillors said: "All three Horwich North East Ward councillors, Marie Brady, Kevin McKeon and Richard Silvester are pleased to receive confirmation that the Telford Street site is not being considered for disposal.

"It was also confirmed this applies not only to Telford Street but also to other sites within the borough which could be viewed as valuable open space at this time.

"Improvements, including tree planting and play equipment were discussed with Neighbourhood Services.

" The potential for a pump track was examined.

"Cllr Brady visited Little Hulton Pump Track and Ingleton Pump Track and liaised with other local authorities, British Cycling, Sport England regarding costs, grant availability and feasibility before concluding the site was not suitable and is better suited to remain as open green space.

"Disposal was opened to consultation again in July 2022. All three ward councillors responded with previous objections and made reference to the Planning Inspectorate decision giving permission to develop Horwich Golf Club. This decision had further reduced availability of any open green space between Brazley and Old Station Park. Consequently, the Executive Member for Regeneration agreed to defer the decision to dispose again.

"Conversations between ward councillors and officers raised concerns that objections regarding open space were not given sufficient weighting in the report presented by Corporate Property to the Executive Member.

"All three ward councillors have thanked officers for listening to and acting on our concerns and would also thank Cllr Adele Warren, Executive Member for Regeneration for her support and instruction that disposal of Telford Street will not proceed.

"We are now working with Officers in Environmental Assets to ensure the improvements previously discussed, tree planting, improved maintenance, provision of equipment from the Horwich North East Area Forum Budget, be implemented to ensure the open space can be used as it should be."