TOWN centres across the borough will get a share of a £220,000 regeneration fund.

Bolton Council has allocated the cash to improve and promote town centres in Horwich, Westhoughton, Blackrod, Farnworth, Kearsley, and Little Lever.

The council, in consultation with ward councillors in each area, will decide how to use the money over the current financial year.

The plans, which were approved by council leader Cllr Cliff Morris last week, will result in a combined £80,000 being allocated to Horwich and Blackrod, £70,000 to Farnworth and Kearsley, £50,000 for Westhoughton, and £20,000 to Little Lever.

Community groups have had their say on how the money should be spent and are asking the council to consult with residents.

Craig Rotheram, of Horwich First, said: “Any support that local businesses can get in Horwich town centre.

“We would like to see much more, given what is spent in Bolton.

“We would also ask that the local councillors responsible for this money ask local people how they would like it to be spent.

“One of the suggestions that we have heard is to install more seating in the town centre, particularly for the elderly.”

Paul Heslop, of Farnworth and Kearsley First, said: “Kearsley has faced so much neglect, particularly the park.

“It used to be busy all of the time, but now there are no children’s facilities or anything like that.”

He added that the money could be used to help tackle poverty in the area.

Kellie McGarry, chairman of the Westhoughton Active Communities Association, said: “Some of the roads around our town centre are definitely in need of some work being done on them.

“It would also be nice if we could have some flower beds or something similar to improve the look of the town. “But the most important thing for me is recreation. To have a skatepark would be fantastic.

“There needs to be something for the older kids, because anti-social behaviour is becoming a real problem around here.

“I am delighted to hear that we are being allocated some money because people think that all of the money goes to Bolton.”

A council report said that the town centres have “the potential to become important meeting places, locations for cultural facilities, public institutions, major services, and transport hubs”.

It adds: “Successful development of our town centres will improve the life chances in the most deprived areas by providing accessible employment opportunities, enabling people to compete and engage in the modern labour market.”