A PETITION calling for Bolton's rightful place in Lancashire to be restored has amassed hundreds of signatures.

Roger Gray set up the petition after reading how calls to have ‘Bolton, Lancashire’ put on benches and street signs across the borough were rejected by Bolton Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris.

Cllr John Walsh, who put forward the plans, was told to ‘get over’ the fact that Bolton is in Greater Manchester and ‘get in the real world’.

But Mr Gray said the issue was a hot topic for residents that needed to be taken seriously — and when his petition hits 1,000 signatures, he will pass it to Cllr Walsh to bring to the Town Hall.

The 48-year-old said: “This is a subject that always appears to resurface from time to time among Boltonians — the general consensus being that their Lancashire identity is hugely important to them.

“What particularly incensed me was the recent council meeting in which Cllr Morris dismissed an agenda topic that was listed for discussion. Topics which are listed to represent the people of Bolton.

“His behaviour smacked of arrogance and was completely unacceptable in our supposed democratic process.

“My petition, admittedly through limited means, was an attempt to get the topic back on the council agenda but with some backing from the public."

Cllr Walsh said he was delighted to hear of the petition, and was keen to receive it on November 27 �— Lancashire Day.

He said: “I’ve had a huge amount of support through letters, phone calls, telephone calls and emails.

“Clearly the people of Bolton feel very strongly about this matter, and anything we can do to promote this issue.

“Once I receive the permission I would be happy to send it to the Secretary of State for his consideration.”

Eric Pickles, the secretary of state for local government and communities, announced changes to planning rules in April which would allow councils to put up boundary signs marking traditional English counties.

It would overturn current laws which prevent unitary councils like Bolton from including ‘Lancashire’ on road signs, in case residents are confused.

Cllr Morris said the council took the issue seriously, but the government’s plans had not yet been made law.

He said: “We haven’t taken this lightly. At the end of the day if people want to celebrate Lancashire Day we have no objections.

“We can’t go changing our road signs as for one it’s not law yet. It is out for consultation, so I couldn’t do it.

“And it would cost a lot of money in a time where we are having to find lots of money in further cuts.

“People can celebrate their heritage wherever they are and in their own way, and there are people in Bolton who say they live in Greater Manchester.”

To sign the petition go to https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/boltonians-are-lancastrians-campaigning-for-bolton-s-lancashire-heritage-to-be-restored