AMBITIOUS plans are in place to give Bolton's elderly a greater say in their future needs.

A campaign promoting a positive image of old people in the town will be launched and a new learning and resource centre is set to open with help from Age Concern.

A 'one-stop shop' will also be created providing information on council services so pensioners won't have to travel into the town centre.

The initiative is part of the Government's 'Better Government for Older People' campaign.

The two-year pilot scheme, which starts in May, will be led by the Council with four key partners - Wigan and Bolton Health Authority, Anchor Trust, Age Concern and the Asian Elders Initiative. Bolton was one of only 28 authorities chosen to pilot a new approach to services for old people who will get a bigger say, ensuring services are tailored to meet their needs. Council leader Cllr Bob Howarth said: "We realise we have set an ambitious agenda. The number of older people is on the increase and it is essential we look at services with older people and see how they can be improved.

"Our findings in Bolton will be an important contribution to the national blueprint."

The main aims are to make service for the elderly more effective and accessible as well as meeting their diverse ambitions and needs.

Cllr Howarth added: "Everyone involved in the partnership worked tremendously hard to get the bid document together for Bolton to participate and I would like to thank everyone for their contribution.

"It gives local people a real chance to influence decisions taken at national level.

"We have a proven track record in Bolton of people working together and I think I can speak for all the partners that we relish this challenge for change."

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