TOWN hall red tape is stifling enterprise, according to a survey of firms in the west of Bolton.

More than half of the firms questioned in the study said they were unhappy with Bolton Council services and demanded a reduction in bureaucracy and regulation.

About 1,800 companies took part in the survey in the Bolton West Parliamentary constituency, commissioned by Philip Allott, the Conservative Party's candidate for the area, to assess the feelings and needs of the business community.

Half of the respondents said they were unhappy with the services provided by the council, with 30 per cent asking for improved town hall efficiency and lower costs.

Others said they want better signposts to car parks and shops in the town centre; a clean up of Horwich, Blackrod and Westhoughton; and for the towns to be made more attractive to visitors.

Firms also said they want better roads, improved Bolton town centre safety and more parking spaces.

About 70 per cent of those taking part in the survey believe the Government does not understand the concerns of the business community.

And 72 per cent of respondents are opposed to the UK joining the single currency.

A similar figure said they did not expect to lay off staff in the next 12 months.

Those surveyed were almost split down the middle as to whether the uniformed business rate should be replaced with a locally set tax. The study also revealed that 67 per cent of respondents have never used any Department of Trade and Industry services, such as Business Link.

Mr Allott said: "The results from the survey are very interesting and could come as a shock to the council.

"Businesses will play a major role in the General Election and we wanted to give the party some feedback on how local firms genuinely feel and to gain an understanding of the issues they are most concerned with.

"Politicians of all political persuasions have a duty to represent everyone, including employers, and I shall certainly be bringing these results to the attention of those involved."

Leader of the council, Cllr Barbara Ronson, said: "If any businesses have complaints, they should come and talk to us."