THE future of Horwich will be the subject of discussion as the town comes together to have its say on its development.

Residents have been invited to a public meeting at the RMI Club, where they can find out more about the neighbourhood plan.

The document would set out the community's priorities including housing, green spaces, conservation, leisure facilities, schools, health, businesses and transport.

It comes after a steering group, made up of councillors and residents, got the go-ahead from Bolton Council to create a neighbourhood plan for the town.

Cllr Marie Brady, chairman of the Steering Group, said: "This is a great opportunity for people in Horwich to have a real say on how they want their town to look in the coming years.

"We need to find out what people want for Horwich so please do come along to the meeting or get in touch."

There are a number of significant developments either approved or proposed for Horwich, including the 1,700 homes at the Horwich Loco Works site and the recently-completed leisure centre.

According to the steering group, the plan can state where and what types of developments are built in the town, set out design standards and place restrictions on certain types of housing if there’s already too much of one type.

It can also be used to help provide affordable housing, protect important buildings and make sure the right infrastructure is in place for the needs of the local community.

A spokesman from the steering group said it could only be successful if residents take part and put forward their ideas

Once the plan is created it will be a legal document, which developers and planners must take into consideration.

The meeting will take place at the RMI Club, in Ramsbottom Road, at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Everyone is welcome to attend and take part.

For more information on the event or on the neighbourhood plan, contact horwichneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com