Boys’ project highlights a Bolton to be proud of (From The Bolton News)

Boys’ project highlights a Bolton to be proud of

3:20pm Sunday 21st March 2010 in

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WE asked 100 people what made them proud to be from Bolton.

And our survey said . . . a distinct accent, the friendly folk of the town, our football team, a good range of shops and our vibrant night life.

But this unique survey was not carried out by The Bolton News. The questions were posed by youngsters who are taking part in an award-winning project which turns around the lives of troubled teenagers.

Reclaim has taken 25 boys from Breightmet and Astley Bridge and is working with them to give them more confidence.

The boys have written a “manifesto” for East Bolton and now they have quizzed people on how they feel about their home town.

Other answers included the town hall, the vast array of fast-food outlets, our good community spirit and Whittakers shoe shop.

Joe Richardson, aged 13, said: “The best thing has been talking to the older people because they were helpful and listened.”

He added: “Reclaim has helped me in loads of different ways.

“It’s helped build up my confidence and made me confident in talking to other people I haven’t met before.

“It’s also helped me become more of a leader.”

The boys also asked people how they felt the town could be improved.

Ideas included cheaper buses, cut-price entertainment and music for young people.

Their findings were handed to the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Norman Critchley.

Project co-ordinator Abigail Robertson said: “Sometimes young people feel they don’t have a say, but exercises like this prove to them that their opinions count and they can make a difference.

“Their meeting with the mayor and eight councillors from across Bolton went really well.

“The Mayor has invited them to the full council meeting on April 21 to discuss the improvements people suggested to them.”

Reclaim is looking for young women, as well as mentors, from the Deane area to take part in another project which will run later this year.

For more information, email a.robertson@urbis.org.uk steven.thompson@ theboltonnews.co.uk