MPs and councillors have urged town hall chiefs to consider lodging a 'levelling up' bid for Atherton.

Bolton West MP Chris Green and his colleague James Grundy, have backed calls to launch plans to revive the town centre.

Mr Green is upset that Wigan Council is not currently considering an application to to the government's Levelling Up Fund, with the deadline approaching.

He said: "For too long, Atherton has been neglected by Wigan Council’s Labour leadership, which is why I have joined with James and the three Atherton councillors to urge Wigan Council to apply for the vital funding and resources we need to invest in the local community."

The Atherton ward is now solely represented by Atherton Independent Network members.

Cllr Stuart Gerrard, a ward councillor, added: "As local councillors we have worked hard to secure a plan that will promote Atherton and hopefully allow it to fulfil its potential.

"What we now need is Wigan Council to do their part and secure the funding needed to kickstart the town.”