NEW transport links connecting Bolton to neighbouring boroughs should be a priority for the new Greater Manchester mayor, according to the Green Party candidate for the role.

Will Patterson says that he has first-hand experience of the long-standing problems faced by the town’s commuters and wants to overhaul the city-region’s transport links.

As well as speeding up the electrification of train lines to Manchester, Mr Patterson says that he would extend the Metrolink to Bolton and boost links to Bury and Wigan.

He said: “People don’t just need to be connected to the city centre, the different boroughs need to be connected to each other.

“We need to make sure that Bolton to Wigan or Bolton to Bury services get the same respect as Bolton to Manchester.

“As someone who has been a regular commuter through Bolton for many years, I understand the frustrations people have.

“It is something that I have a direct stake in because I have seen it with my own eyes.

“I think HS2 is a slap in the face for people in Greater Manchester. If we can’t get Bolton to Manchester services right, then how can we improve Manchester to London?”

Mr Patterson, who is the chairman of the Wigan and Leigh Green Party, became the Green Party’s candidate after the death of previous nominee Deyika Nzeribe.

The 33-year-old believes the mayoral election has provided a strong platform to spread the party’s ideas, particularly with the controversy over the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework dominating the agenda.

He added: “We are out there arguing that the spatial framework is unsustainable and doesn’t reflect the views of residents, but other candidates are sharing those messages too.

“It is really heartening to see other parties taking Green ideas seriously.

“It is fascinating to see how many people have engaged with this and it is wonderful to see communities stand up for their local green spaces.

“I just hope the Combined Authority listens and if I am elected then I will make sure that they will.”

The Greater Manchester mayoral election is being held on May 4.