BOLTON Council is investing £30,000 in a blossoming new partnership with Groundwork to make the town greener.

The council and the environmental charity have agreed a one-year deal which will see the organisations working together to create environmental projects.

Groundwork can also get external funding for environmental and regeneration schemes.

Since 2006, Groundwork, with support from the council, has already organised a number of schemes.

In March, more than 100 local businesses were provided with access to a free resource efficiency review to help them reduce their waste and energy costs over the next two years.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington, the council’s executive member for Cleaner, Greener and Safer, said: “I am delighted we have entered into this agreement.

“Future projects will continue to be delivered in close partnership with residents, businesses, local community groups and organisations.”

Tony Taylor, Groundwork’s executive director and chairman of the Bolton Cleaner Greener Partnership, said: “The work programme that forms part of the wider agenda is taking shape. Groundwork is confident that we can add considerable value to the agenda for the benefit of the people of Bolton.”

The partnership between the council and Groundwork will run until October next year.