A NUMBER of projects have been set up through City Challenge funding to help unemployed people develop skills and experiences in landscaping and land maintenance.

The schemes, which have attracted European funding, involve business and computer training as well as practical landscaping and ground work. They are geared towards providing participants with the necessary mix of skills to help them set up in business.

City Challange chairman, Cllr Bob Howarth, said: "These projects have been initiated to provide specific training to satisfy a need in the area."

Participants receive training which can go towards NVQs in environmental conservation and the chance to develop the skills they need to set up their own small maintenance business.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Don Quigley at Bolton Wildlife Project, 125 Blackburn Road, Bolton, tel: 01204 361847.

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