THE future of a £15 million plan to transform Lever Park will be discussed by Bolton Council chiefs tomorrow.

The controversial scheme has been thrown into jeopardy after plans for a Blue Planet visitor centre failed to attract Millennium cash.

Policy sub committee councillors will be asked whether they think that other aspects of North West Water's scheme, including the restoration of the terraced gardens at Rivington, can still go ahead.

Bolton Council leader, Labour Cllr Bob Howarth, said: "It is very much back to the drawing board with this. "We need to have discussions with Chorley councillors too and see what the opportunities are to start again."

Liberal Democrat leader, Horwich Cllr Barbara Ronson, added: "We are in North West Water's hands with this and we need to meet with them.

"We now have to make sure that without the Blue Planet centre, Horwich is not left in a position where we have all the hassle with traffic, but without any real gain." A report will go before councillors tomorrow which says: "The failure to secure Millennium Commission funding has put the whole of the Rivington project into serious doubt.

"North West Water is clearly undertaking a fundamental review of its overall proposals and it is important for members to make their views known as soon as possible.

"The option to do nothing is untenable. Rivington and the surrounding areas are under severe public pressure and North West Water has a duty to manage the resource in a positive fashion."

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