DEVELOPERS wanting to build more homes in Westhoughton have offered councillors almost £1 million to improve and expand local schools in return for planning permisision.

The developers -- Barratt Homes, George Wimpey and Bett Homes -- want to build a 600-home super-estate on the site of the Carnaud Metalbox factory at Chew Moor.

In addition to the £1 million for schools, a further £497,000 will be handed to the council to spend on open spaces and £18,000 is being offered for new bus stops and land for a new surgery near to the homes

Home builders who want to create large developments are asked to give money to help provide new community facilities.

Cllr David Wilkinson said: "We have a situation where a lot of children can't get into schools in the town and have to go to other schools.

"At the moment, the secondary school is really under strain and if the plans are accepted we will use this money to improve the facilities.

"It's unlikely that we would build a new school, but we would improve what is already here."

A site has been earmarked already for a surgery on the planned estate and new bus stops would be built along the A6.

Huge developments in Westhoughton during the last five years have meant that schools have been stretched to breaking point.

Pupils who live to the north of the A6 are often unable to find a place at Westhoughton High School and are instead being sent to Ladybridge High School at Deane.

Westhoughton Town Council is due to make a recommendation on the homes plans to Bolton Council's planning committee on Monday, August 9. Bolton Council will make the final decision.

Cllr Wilkinson said there were still some issues to be resolved over a traffic survey.

"With a development of this size, it is absolutely necessary that it is given the right consideration," he said.