BOLTON communities will be given the cash to back their ideas in a new scheme to give power to the people.

Bolton Council is setting up community forums based in nine estates or areas in the borough so that residents can have a say about what happens in their localities.

And the move will be backed up with cash as a "pot" of £570,000 has been set aside by Bolton's Housing Department to fund community initiatives.

The money has come from part of the £3.8 million the council has raised through the sale of land and property.

Proposals are for forums to be set up in New Bury, Deane, Hall i'th' Wood, Johnson Fold, Tonge Moor, Withins, Leverhulme, New Lane and Oxford Grove within the next two months.

Residents, businesses, voluntary and charitable groups and other interested groups as well as ward councillors will be encouraged to take part.

Then each forum will draw up a local community plan which will be submitted to the housing committee for approval.

Cllr Linda Thomas, chairman of Bolton's housing regeneration sub-committee said: "Community forums have operated successfully in Bolton before but this time there is a difference as they will be able to bid for money to fund community initiatives.

"This means local people will have a real say in running their own areas. It is all about communities coming together to create a better life for everyone."

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