HORWICH town councillors have been reassured that a promised liaison committee to keep local people up to date on the new sports village development will meet soon.

The council wrote to the developers and Bolton Wanderers reminding them of their obligation after repeated promises to hold meetings never materialised.

Cllr Jeremy Lavin said that the council had been told at the public inquiry last August that the committee would be set up to listen to residents' views and problems and keep them posted on progress.

At the council's planning committee, members were told that a letter had been received from Mr John Walsh on behalf of Bolton Sports Village Ltd, saying that now legal agreements have been signed between Bolton Council, Wanderers and Orbit Developments, a meeting of the committee can be held. Mr Walsh said: "Until this time, it would not have been appropriate to organise the committee, as the only development to date was that of the stadium.

"Now that Orbit and the club, along with respective contractors are in place, an early meeting of the committee can be arranged."

Mr Walsh said that because of holidays there will be a short delay, but he will send further information to Cllr Lavin and Cllr Kevan Helsby, the council's representatives, and the town clerk. "Please be assured that the club is anxious to ensure a happy relationship with its neighbours," Mr Walsh added.

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