COUNCIL bosses have welcomed news of a massive cash injection into a Bolton unemployment blackspot.

Government ministers have announced that £1.8 million will be channelled into Burnden and Tonge as part of the Single Regeneration Budget fund.

With unemployment at 7.3 per cent - 2.5 per cent above Bolton's average - the windfall has been seen as a welcome boost.

The areas have large numbers of young and long term unemployed coupled with low attainment levels at school and a lack of pupils going on into further education.

Ethnic minorities form 11pc of the population in the area but 20pc of those are without jobs.

The Government cash comes after schemes were developed for training and education projects in the area to help residents find jobs.

It was submitted by the Bolton Strategic Partnership, an organisation bringing together groups such as Bolton Council, Bolton Bury TEC, Bolton Institute and voluntary organisations in Burnden and Tonge.

Cllr Bob Howarth, chairman of the Bolton Strategic Partnership and leader of Bolton Council, said: "This is the third time we have been successful in receiving funding from the SRB fund.

"The Burnden and Tonge scheme will see money used to improve learning and employment opportunities in the area. It is all part of the borough's 'Vision for the Future' document which wants to make Bolton a 'Learning Town'.

"The area has a lot going for it and offers excellent opportunities with the highest concentration of businesses in Bolton."

The £1.8 million will be used to attract a further £1.75 million from the private sector and other public bodies.

The work in Burnden and Tonge will form part of an overall 10 year plan for the town, "Vision for the Future - Bolton Borough into the 21st Century".

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