A SURVEY of Bolton's under-fives reveals a shocking degree of deprivation in parts of the borough.

Figures released by the 1991 census reveal there are approximately 18,400 children in Bolton under the age of five and a further 10, 750 aged between five and seven.

The three wards with the highest number of young children, - Breightmet, Derby and Farnworth - ?also have the highest numbers of under fives in lone parent households.

They are also among the four wards which have the most under fives with a limiting long-term illness.

Derby ward, closely followed by Central, has the most under fives living in either overcrowded accommodation or households with no central heating.

In the Central, Derby, Tonge and Breightmet wards there are the highest number of children living in households where unemployment is at its highest. Almost one in seven of Bolton's under fives are non-white ethnic origin, including more than half of the under fives in Central and Derby wards and a third in Halliwell and Burnden.

Recent information suggest that in Central and Derby wards there are fewer registered child-care providers.

A report is set for consideration by councillors on Wednesday. As part of its overall strategy to address the issues raised by the survey. It is urged that efforts are concentrated on three geographical areas which have been identified as having high numbers of under fives and higher levels of deprivation.

To meet the educational needs of the children the survey suggests concentrating early years education in Breightmet, Tonge and Derby .

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