COUNCIL planning bosses have welcomed further investment in Bolton schools by giving the go-ahead to a host of expansion plans.

At their last meeting, members of the council's planning committee agreed to five bids to extend schools across the town.

Building work can now begin on the erection of the single storey extension at the rear of Mytham Road County Primary School, Little Lever.

The four metre high extension will house two classrooms, toilets, cloakrooms, a library and a shared area.

A further single storey extension at the front of Devonshire Road County Primary will create a new entrance area, staff room, general office and headteacher's office.

Planners say the building work will take place on what is currently a paved area which is not directly overlooked by nearby residents.

Farnworth's Harper Green School has also been granted permission to build a two storey extension to create a new music and drama block,

The building will add five extra classrooms, a drama room, practice rooms and storage space to the school.

Markland Hill County Primary School has been given the all-clear to build a one floor extension which will be used as an extra classroom.

Whilst Hayward Base School on Lever Edge Lane has also been given the go-ahead to build a single storey extension to provide extra classroom space.