CONSERVATIVES are urging town hall chiefs to invest £10m in fixing the borough’s roads and pavements.

Tory councillors and activists took to Victoria Square at the weekend to launch a campaign calling on Bolton Council to commence a borough-wide highways improvement programme.

They say money previously earmarked for the Octagon Theatre upgrade — which is now being funded via the £100m town centre masterplan loan — and from the sale of council assets, could bankroll the scheme.

Labour bosses say the Tories have got their sums over the Octagon deal wrong, adding that the authority is already struggling to meet its obligations after years of cuts.

But while Bolton’s Tory group leader David Greenhalgh accepts that looking after the borough's most vulnerable people is "absolutely vital", he insists money is available for a one-off road-repair programme.

He said: “The way we spend the remainder of the budget is what affects the majority of people in this town. If they begin to believe the council is not delivering the basic frontline services they have the right to expect in return for their council tax — dissatisfaction grows.

Cllr Greenhalgh added it was a question of “priorities”. He said: “The condition of Bolton’s roads and pavements, particularly in residential areas, is unacceptable. The issue is continually brought up on the doorstep, and a Conservative-led council would prioritise it, but we need to put pressure on the Labour Council to act now.”

He added: "It is important that this investment, which is three times the usual annual allocation, be spread across the whole borough to benefit all residents."

But Bolton Council's highways chief Cllr David Chadwick, says the council's contribution to the Octagon revamp was around £4, with the remainder of the £10m project being funded by the Arts Council and other grants secured by the theatre.

He added that there was now a possibility of some money being released for road improvements, although "nowhere near £10m".

And he accused the Conservatives of a cynical political move.

He said: "The Tories have got wind of what we are trying to do and are trying to claim credit for any money spent on highways."

Cllr Chadwick added: “This government has savaged us as a council to the tune of £155m and and it looks likely we will have to have to find even more. It’s rich for them to tell us how to spend money. We are struggling to do the basics - to look after the elderly and our statutory duty to fund adult’s and children’s services."