BUSINESS people in Bolton will have an opportunity to influence long-term planning in the borough through two half-day listening events.

Senior management of the Council's Environment and Commercial Services departments are about to write their three-year action plans, and want to make sure that all sections of the business community have a chance to discuss the big issues.

It is likely that these will include highways maintenance, town centre vitality, access, design, and other environmental and transport issues.

Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment, said: "In terms of Highways alone there may have to be a stark choice in order to halt the progressive deterioration of our roads.

"Do we increase the budget to the level of buying power of 1995/96 to enable reasonable service standards to be reinstated? Or, alternatively, do we reduce standards even further or stop delivering certain 'non-statutory' services?

"We are keen to hear the views of the business community on these and other issues, and we urge them to come along to these events."

Other topics under discussion are likely to include bridge renewals, multi-million pound town centre reconstruction, business security schemes, training and skills for the local workforce, and a range of topics around waste management, anti-litter campaigns and improving the image of the Borough.

The sessions will take place on August 12 in the Festival Hall, Bolton Town Hall, and places are limited.

To book a place, contact Suzan de Lison, environment department marketing manager, on 01204 336382, or email Drop a line...suzan.delison@bolton.gov.uk.