RESIDENTS groups in Atherton are attempting to raise £2,000 to improve the town and are asking for Journal readers' help to do so.

Groups including Atherton Residents' Association, Friends of Atherton Parks and Keep Atherton Tidy have started a Crowdfunding page to help raise the cash after struggling to gain funding from Wigan Council.

Stuart Gerrard, chairman of Atherton Residents' Association, said: “We are trying to raise funds to help all the various groups who do good work in the town and to help towards future projects to improve the town.

“We are having to rely on the great public of Atherton as it seems groups in this town have to jump through hoops to get any funding from the council.”

The residents groups are planning to hold a 60s, 70s and 80s night and a curry night to amass additional funds.

Money raised will be used to enhance the town's parks and set up a website enabling residents to have their say on what they want in their town and advertise events.

Stuart added: “I hope the town will support this.

"But all the groups understand that times are tough, so anything that can generated will be put to good use."

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/atherton-residents.