A group which could bring extra funding to a neighbourhood could be set up. Plans are being put forward for a Community Alliance to be set up in the Claypool area of Horwich . A Community Alliance is an informal network of local residents, voluntary groups and businesses, who care about the place where they live and work.

The groups enable access to match funding from Bolton Council. Ward councillor Ryan Bamforth said: "For the Claypool area in Horwich North, we are planning for it to become part of a Community Alliance. "If residents need anything to be created in the area such as paths, play areas or garden sections, the alliance could look at match funding through the council.

"It can also be used for larger projects, things they want to push towards, using more funding from a bigger pot of cash. "I am in the middle of setting up a meeting with the residents. It gives them more control of the area, rather than just waiting on elected representatives.

" Read more: 'An absolute mess' calls for 'dangerous' stripped-out park to be revamped Read more: Salon owner’s ‘disappointment’ after finding shutter smashed Read more: Bolton has budget of just £17K to tackle 'overgrowing' on 350km of footpaths Community Alliances currently exist in Bradshaw, Halliwell, Horwich South and Blackrod, Kearsley, Rumworth, Smithills and Tonge with the Haulgh. Earlier this year, calls were made for a "dangerous" park to be revamped after its equipment was stripped out and it was left overgrow.