FALLING numbers of pupils in schools will not affect a new children's centre in Tonge Moor, education bosses said today.

Director of Education Margaret Blenkinsop said the children's centre at Tonge Moor Primary School would go ahead as planned.

There was doubt that any new projects would be given the go-ahead since six primary schools in Bolton have 25 per cent of places unfilled.

Education chiefs are currently considering options such as closing and merging schools to cut surplus places in a five-year rolling review programme of schools set to start next year.

The centre, on the site of Tonge Moor School, will provide early education and childcare, family support, child and family health services, childminder drop-ins and links to Job Centre Plus, the Childcare Information Service and Out of School Childcare.

Mrs Blenkinsop said the primary review would not affect the new centre.

She said: "I do not anticipate the primary review having an effect on the centre. It will be attached to the school serving the area. There is under provision in that area for the care of young children."

Cllr Elaine Sherrington, who represents the Tonge ward, said she welcomed the new centre and praised the amount of work that has been carried out on its development.

But she said: "I would hope the centre would retain some independence. Although it will be part of the school site I would hope it would be completely separate from the school but have a working relationship."

Last year, Bolton Council received £2.3 million from the government to develop children's centres in disadvantaged areas of the town.

Government chiefs hope such centres will bridge the attainment gap between poor and better off children.