THE clearest indication has emerged that the Bolton Cricket League would not be scrapped if and when the proposed Greater Manchester League is formed.

The plans for a multiple division super league are well under way, with a steering committee holding its first meeting 10 days ago.

The idea is for 10 leagues – including the Bolton League and the Bolton Association – to fold and its clubs join together in one giant structure with promotion and relegation running throughout all divisions.

Bolton League officials say their clubs as a body have indicated they are not yet ready to make a decision to leave the Bolton League and join the new set-up.

League officials also believe their clubs may want to remain in the current structure or develop the Bolton League to two divisions.

Bolton League secretary Ray Taylor said: "As the Central Lancashire League have made it clear with their approach to the Lancashire League that they are not committed to a Greater Manchester structure, Bolton League clubs as a body have expressed a wish to remain independent.

"Bolton League officials are still working with the Greater Manchester steering committee, and accept that individual clubs may wish to join a prospective GM league, but realise that the Bolton League clubs may wish to remain as they are, or retain their identity and invite other clubs to form two divisions.

"The Bolton League Management Committee are aware that attempts at expansion in other leagues in the county of Lancashire have not been entirely successful, and are mindful of the pitfalls."

The Bolton League were one of seven of the 10 leagues present at the steering committee's inaugural a week last Friday at Bradshaw Cricket Club.

The Bolton Association were also there along with the North Manchester League, Saddleworth and District League, Central Lancashire League, Lancashire County League and Greater Manchester Amateur League.

The Bolton Cosmopolitan League, the Horwich Churches and Welfare Cricket Association and the Manchester and District were not represented.

The proposal has been received with mixed feelings with some believing it would provide a more competitive and better standard of cricket and others not convinced it would work and not wanting to see the traditional leagues consigned to history.