Bolton Council is set to discuss the idea of a referendum for Bolton to return to Lancashire after a petition received more than 3000 signatures.

The borough became a part of Greater Manchester in 1974 after the introduction of The Local Government Act by the Ted Heath administration.

Recently Nick Buckley, a previous candidate in the mayoral election two years ago and a prospective candidate in the mayoral election in 2024, backed a campaign by Bolton for Change for a referendum for Bolton to return to Lancashire. Mr Buckley and the leader of the local party Trevor Jones presented residents with red roses in the town centre earlier this month.

On May 30, it was revealed a petition received more than 3000 signatures and, as a result, Bolton Council is set to discuss the idea when it meets at the town hall on June 28.

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The petition reads: "In 1974 the people of Bolton were combined into the Greater Manchester administration without any consultation. 

"We demand a referendum on leaving Greater Manchester and returning into the County of Lancashire."

The issue was raised on BBC Radio Manchester last month when Andy Burnham appeared on In The Hotseat, a segment which allows callers to ask questions to the metro mayor.

Mr Burnham said the borough would miss out on the Bee Network, the transport system set to start on September 24, as well as other benefits such as investment in its town centre.

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He said: "The majority of people in Bolton are proud to be a part of Greater Manchester. I realise there is an older generation who might look back to the pre-1974 days but this is a backward-looking campaign. 

"It would reduce the benefits people in Bolton get from being a part of Greater Manchester and I do not think it has majority support."

But, under pressure from presenter Mike Sweeney, the metro mayor said he could not ignore the campaign if support was widespread.

He said: "It is a democracy and if this campaign has majority support in Bolton I could not ignore it.

"I would listen to the points of view and I would respect a democratic decision."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.