Farnworth is 'losing its identity and does not get enough funding'

The town's historic market closed last month following months of failed negotiations to see it relocated to make way for the redevelopment of the town centre.

or many it was another blow for the town which was once a municipal borough to itself with a town hall and mayor, with some claiming that the town is losing its identity.

Among the concerns are lack of street signs distinguishing Farnworth from Bolton or neighbouring Kearsley and Harper Green wards, lack of new development, and a shrinking high street.

And residents have been writing to The Bolton News' letters page over a perceived lack of funding for the area.

Paul Heslop, aged 50, said: "One of the things as a proud Farnworthian that really bothers me is the neglect — none of the things you see in Bolton get done in our town.

"The money is not spent on us and unlike other towns that have signs proudly announcing that you are arriving there, we have barely any of that and are losing our identity."

Farnworth resident Sharron Howard said: "The market in Farnworth which went back well over 150 years has been closed forever. When I came to live in Farnworth in the 1960s the market was a place where you could buy anything cheaply and with personal service.

“The council was always promising improvements to Farnworth town centre and the market but none of it happened.”

Another letter writer said: "Did Farnworth get one of the gold post boxes to celebrate Farnworth born Jason Kenny's gold medal wins in the Olympics? No – they both went to Bolton.

“It is not just about the loss of identity though, it is the fact that since Farnworth lost its own council and MP in 1974 it is always at the back of the queue when it comes to any investment and provision of public facilities and services from the council.

“A once thriving and vibrant town, it is now little more than just a scruffy ghost town filled with empty premises, charity shops, and takeaways all shuttered up during the day, so the place looks like a war torn Beirut.”

The town still has impressive features, including its Grade II listed Cenotaph, former Toll House and the Shakespeare pub, as well as a library, theatre and extensive park. It is also home to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

In 1974, under the Local Government Act, Farnworth became an unparished area of the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton with the town hall now longer open to the public.

The area also lost Bolton Sixth Form College campus in 2014 after only six years in operation, due to a drop in students applying to go there, and following the closure of the market after 100 years trade, many feel the town has taken too much of a beating.

However, local councillors have defended the position of the town in the borough.

Cllr Noel Spencer said: "Farnworth was once a borough in its own right and it had a proud history. It still has its own identity and people still have a real strong feeling of the heritage in the town and see the place in its own right.

"When we went through the boundary changes we fought to retain the core of Farnworth and I don't think the population has changed all that much. The town hall now actually employs more people than it has previously done.

"The amount of money Bolton Council allocates for neighbourhood management and area forums to Farnworth is reasonable compared to other parts of the borough. People don't see it that way but we do get a fair allocation, although the cuts from central government on the council has affected us all."

Cllr Spencer added that the up coming multi-million pound redevelopment by St Modwen of Farnworth town centre, incorporating shopping parade at the Market Precinct between Brackley Street and King Street as well as improvements by Transport for Greater Manchester to the bus station, would have a "real impact" on the town.

Work on the development is hoped to begin by this summer, and advocates state it will bring new shops, jobs and more footfall to the town.

Councillors also hope it will address issues raised over a lack of signage welcoming people into Farnworth.

Cllr Jean Gillies said: "The Section 106 money we received from Tesco has been saved for the redevelopment and part of that is to be spent on proper signs.

"Nearly every town has its share of problems, including Bolton, but I'm proud of Farnworth. Once St Modwen development starts it will bring some identity back to the town. It needs regeneration and I've seen what they did for Wythenshawe and it's great.

"A lot of things change over time but the people of Farnworth are lovely generous people, and care about this town."