LOCAL firms are about to hit the road to a blooming new style of sponsorship.

Council highways chiefs are inviting companies to financially support Chorley's roundabouts.

The town's technical and general services committee was told yesterday (Wed March 18) that the council could cash in on planting at roundabouts.

Chorley Borough Council has already received inquiries from businesses interested in the idea, which would cost an average £2,700 for each roundabout.

The company name would be seen on a sign at the roundabout saying something along the lines of "Landscaping Sponsored By . . . "

The committee was told in a report by chief engineer Alex Choraffa that there are local companies interested in operating and providing sponsorship, with funding available that could improve the look of roundabouts and possibly provide income beyond that.

He said: "There are currently 17 eligible roundabouts in the borough, nine of which are on the town centre by-pass. All are in the urban core."

Lancashire County Council recently published its code of practice on the placing of items within the highway.

It recognises benefits to the highways environment if sponsorship of planting on roundabouts is allowed.

The committee was recommended to invite proposals from interested companies and to look into other sponsorship opportunities.

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