THE Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham visited Farnworth to discuss a bold new vision for the town.

Last year Bolton Council nominated Farnworth for the Mayor’s Town Centre Challenge – an initiative which strives to breathe life into areas across the region.

And Mr Burnham arrived in Farnworth this week to speak to councillors, businesses, developers and community groups about unlocking its potential.

Mr Burnham added: “It’s been excellent to come to Farnworth and see first-hand the ambitious plans the council has for the regeneration of the area. Revitalising town centres is a key aspiration for me as mayor – developing new homes, building on brownfield land and changing how town centres are used.

“The Town Centre Challenge is a very real opportunity for all 10 of our districts to focus attention on areas in need of support, and with my new powers as mayor I am confident we can make real and lasting change.”

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: “The event has helped us to make a start with creating a new vision for Farnworth. We will get the key representatives from the community and our partners together again to build on the momentum the event created.”

He added: “We understand the difference that regeneration in neighbourhoods can make to local people’s lives.”

Farnworth councillor Jean Gillies said “I am extremely pleased. Andy Burnham’s passion was clearly there to see, but everyone was passionate, a lot of businesses were asking what they could do to help.I feel this is the start of a vision I have been trying to get done for ages.”