BOLTON is set to play a leading role in a new Government programme to improve the quality of life for older people. The borough, together with Bury, is one of only 28 pilot projects nationwide being launched today as part of the 'Better Government for Old People' scheme. And speaking at the launch, Public Services Minister, Peter Kilfoyle, praised Bolton Council chiefs for the "commitment, energy and enthusiasm" they had shown in being one of the driving forces behind the new programme.

Better Government for Older People is a ground-breaking UK-wide initiative to improve public services for older people by giving them a greater say, responding to their views and encouraging and recognising their contribution.

The pilots will look at ways to improve the lives of older people and get them more involved in policy making at a local level.

The aim of the Bolton partnership is to develop and deliver a strategy with older people and, working with its various partners, to provide more effective services for them.

The Bolton pilot hopes to work with older people to address issues of concern to them such as crime, access to information, living independently, promoting healthy lifestyles and improving employment opportunities.

Bury Council is set to run the Cecil Street Project, a befriending scheme for the over-80s.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Kilfoyle said: "The success of the programme depends on the pilots. They will play a key role in driving forward the Government's programme and formulating our strategic policy for older people in the long term. We are determined to create new local partnerships and to learn from local initiatives."

Cllr Cliff Morris, chairman of Bolton's social services committee, said: "We are delighted Bolton has been selected as one of only 28 pilot authorities.

"It's a challenge we relish. Councils such as Bolton and our partners, Age Concern, Anchor Trust, the Wigan and Bolton Health Authority and the Asian Elders Initiative are being given a real chance to influence national policy.

"It's very appropriate that the launch has come today, in Democracy Week, as this is exactly what the programme is about."

The number of old people in the UK is rising. Currently one in five of the population is aged 60 and over. That will rise to one in four by 2010, and one in three in 2025.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.