BETTER parks and more job opportunities are top of a wishlist drawn up by residents who have been given £1 million of lottery cash to spend.

The money was allocated to Tonge with The Haulgh two years ago — but is yet to be spent.

Residents met on Wednesday to earmark priorities for the cash. They also called for more training opportunities and better facilities for youngsters.

People of all ages gave their ideas on how to create a lasting legacy with the Big Lottery cash.

But there was also frustration at the speed at which things are being done — with organisers saying that residents now need to see “something happening with the money”.

No final decisions were made but the Bolton Local Steering Group said it was hoping to start spending on projects soon.

The meeting was held at the Fusion Centre in Tonge Moor, home to many residents’ groups.

Carol Furnley, chairman of Big Local, said: “People have been full of enthusiasm and ideas about how they want to see the money spent.

“But I think residents are getting to a stage where they need to see something happening with the money.

Resident Brian Trainer, aged 68, of Furnis Square, said: “I run a club for people who live on their own but I think the money should be spent on something for the younger people in the area.”

The Big Local Steering Group have earmarked five objectives for the cash which include more jobs, improved parks, promoting healthier lifestyles, better facilities for young people and extra community groups.

Dave Morgan, a resident and member of the steering group, said: “The most important thing we have to do with this money is create a legacy for Tonge with The Haulgh.

“Whatever we choose to spend the money on, it has to be able to survive in the future.”

The project has to be community-led with guidance from other agencies such as Bolton at Home.