BUSINESSES vying for a slice of a £300 million school building project say it could be the lifeline that Bolton needs to ride the recession.

Dozens of firms have been putting themselves forward to be subcontractors on the massive scheme to build and refurbish Bolton secondary schools.

Two companies have been shortlisted for the lucrative contract — Balfour Beatty Education and a partnership of contractors including Laing O’Rourke under the name of BDB Partnership.

Town Hall bosses now want local businesses to get a slice of the action by becoming involved as sub-contractors for the successful firm, which will be named in September.

Julie Taylor, company secretary of Engineering Service Company in Bolton, said: “This is a project that local businesses including ours need in these difficult times.

“Something like this will have a real impact in keeping people in jobs, but also in giving young people the opportunity to take up work experience placements and apprenticeships, which are two things we have had to cut back on.

“Businesses in Bolton recruit locally and if the sub-contracting work goes to local businesses, it will make a difference in the borough.”

Mrs Taylor said the project was special because everybody had a vested interest in education. The work being carried out will be on local schools.

“Most of my employees have children and this gives it extra importance, as local businesses want to create the best” she said.

Paul Sherman, the sales manager of Extruded Window Systems and Riverstreet Glassworks in Bolton, said: “A project like this is very important for businesses and the economy.”

Bolton will receive up to £300 million to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools under the Government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme.

The first schools earmarked for improvement are Bolton Muslim Girls School, Ladybridge High and Rumworth, Little Lever, Sharples High, Smithills High and Westhoughton High.

A council spokesman said: “We have had a reasonable response from local businesses. It is anticipated that the bidders for the BSF programme will hold a series of events in the summer to attract more interest from local firms.”

Firms wishing to be included in the supply database are asked to email their details to: bsf@ blackburn.gov.uk.