A HUGE snow slide will be the new star attraction in Bolton this Christmas — alongside a giant ferris wheel and an ice rink.

Bolton Council bosses are having to seek planning permission for the Winter Wonderland which will see the return of a 100 ft ferris wheel and a larger 255-square-metre ice rink in Victoria Square.

The winter attraction will see the removal of the charity canopy and some trees in Newport Street to make way for the 150 ft snow slide — which has previously proved to be popular with shoppers in Leeds and in London’s Leicester Square.

The changes to Newport Street were already due to take place as part of a wholesale revamp — but they will now be brought forward with work starting in the next few weeks.

Council leader Cliff Morris said: “We want to do everything we can to support our town centre retailers throughout the festive period and attract shoppers to Bolton.

“Following last year’s success of the giant wheel, we felt we had to add something even more spectacular to our Christmas programme.

“We know how popular the snow slide will be from places like Leicester Square and Leeds where it has been previously and thousands have used it. We’re sure the slide will be a success here.”

The big wheel, which first appeared in the town centre last year, will be back in Victoria Square from December 11.

The snow slide and ice rink — as well as a Santa’s grotto in in Oxford Street — are due to be in place from November 29 until January 4, a week longer than last year’s Winter Wonderland. The extended time-frame means the council must gain planning approval for the scheme.

The news was last night welcomed by town centre traders.

Karen Covell, manager at Tiffany’s on the Square cafe, based in Victoria Square, said: “If it is well advertised then this should bring a lot of people into the town centre, which is what is really needed.

“Last year we definitely saw an increase in customers and hopefully that will happen again this year.”

Andy Cottrill, manager at Rhode Island coffee, in Knowsley Street, added: “Every Christmas period has got better for us, the big wheel proved to be a really good idea last year.

“We are hopeful these plans will mean more people coming to us this year as well.”

Tickets are due to go on sale for the festive fun on October 24. Details on pricing and how to buy tickets are yet to be released.

People will also be able to buy tickets in person from a box office in Victoria Square, once the attractions open.