LEISURE chiefs at Bolton have stepped in to rescue a plan for community

facilities following a plea from residents.

Captain's Clough Residents' Association had planned to team up with Bolton Bowling Club and Thornleigh Football Club to develop a community facility at Church Road, Captain's Clough. But an application for lottery funding was turned down.

Now the group has asked Bolton Council for help with a plan to use part of

the Undercroft at Church Road for a community room.

The area is currently used for storage but has the potential to be turned into a useful community facility.

Cabinet member for culture, Cllr John Byrne said the council was happy to lease the area to the residents.

He said: "We are giving them time to raise funds prior to the granting of a five-year lease. It's disappointing that the lottery bid was not successful but, hopefully, all is not lost and the residents will be able to get cracking with their plans.

"We are drawing up the papers for the lease so that they can get things moving as quickly as possible," he said.