A proposal to sell off a  piece of greenspace has left local representatives ‘flabbergasted’ given a similar proposal was rejected two years ago.

A piece of land off Telford Street in Horwich has been recommended for disposal by council officers, meaning that one of the few remaining greenspace areas in what is a mainly built up area could be lost.

But Cllr Richard Silvester, who represents the area on Bolton Council, says he cannot understand why this recommendation has been made again after the same idea was rejected in October 2020.

He said: “I think I can say that all three ward councillors are somewhat flabbergasted and taken aback that just a year and a half later this same site is on the table again for disposal.”

As it stands, the area around Telford Street is mainly made up of terraced housing, with little other greenspace areas available.

Up till now the site has been used by residents as an open space will children are often seen playing there.

Cllr Silvester and other representatives including Cllr Kevin McKeon and Cllr Marie Brady have all expressed concerns previously that this could be lost if the area is sold off to developers.

He said that nothing has changed since the last time the plans were rejected and that the community still wants to keep its greenspace.

The decision not to sell of the land in October 2021 was taken by Bolton Council’s deputy leader at the time Cllr Martyn Cox, who has since become leader.

But Cllr Cox said he does not impose his previous decisions on other cabinet members and says further consultations will take place before a decision is made.

He said: “I want to make a point because as executive members who work in this administration know I do expect them to make their own decisions and run their portfolios as they see fit and I do think that’s as it should be.

“But I would expect any cabinet member to consult and I hope consultations are carried out with ward members.”