A Bolton councillor has said her main mission is to bring a community mental health facility aimed at young people to the area she represents.

Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke was elected to the Little Lever and Darcy Lever ward in 2021.

She has a background in mental health and had always aspired to transform a community building on Mytham Road into a facility for young people.

She says there are 1,500 people between the ages of 15 and 19 in the ward and very little for any of them to do.

After she was first elected, she was told the new library in the ward would help to engage with young people in the area.

However multiple problems have been reported at the £5m facility on Market Street.

Earlier this year it was reported that chairs were being thrown at members of staff.

And now, Cllr Taylor-Burke has submitted a business proposal to use the community building to help address anti-social behaviour in the area.

If approved, the facility would include a food bank, a café and cake shop, mental health support groups and drop-in sessions, skilled workshops teaching trades like plastering and volunteering opportunities.

Fundraising is taking place for the facility with funds raised at the Little Lever and Darcy Lever Scarecrow Festival going to help.

Cllr Taylor-Burke, who represents the Conservatives, said: “We have 1,500 people between 15 and 19 in Little Lever and Darcy Lever and there isn’t much for them to do.

“This is at a very early stage – I have submitted a business proposal.

“It will be a mental health wellbeing hub

“I currently run the Life Support Group in St Matthews Church House on a Wednesday and Thursday, but this would be seven days a week.

“I have spoken to young people, they just want to be listened to.

“It is only a handful of kids causing issues.

“I wanted to do this when I got in three years ago, I still want to do this.

“This was my reason for becoming a councillor.”

A fundraising page has been set up for the facility which can be supported here.