Your Local Independent 202

Page 30 December 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 A PLAN to convert a former NHS surgery in Horwich into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) has been given the green light. Horwich Town Council had called on Bolton Council plan- ners to reject the bid to turn the former Market Surgery on Chorley New Road into an HMO for up to six people. The corner terraced prop- erty is currently vacant after GP services transferred to a new health centre in the town. The town council gave its views on the proposals in a consultee comment submitted to Bolton planners. It resolved to recommend refusal due to “over prolifer- ation of HMOs in a residen- tial area” and its proximity to existing HMO. The town council also said there was no parking provision for multi- ple occupants. It added that should the intention be to return the property to its original func- tion, a family home, its con- cerns would be withdrawn. The planning application detailed how the new resi- dential spaces proposed at the address met and complied with standards set nationally and locally. HMOs are properties where a number of individuals live in one house – usually renting separately from a landlord - with their own room but with shared communal spaces. THE Mayors of Horwich and Blackrod came together to host one giant charity fundraiser at Haigh Barn – the Mayor’s Rodeo! Both mayors have always been a fan of country music and when trying to decide what to do for a fundraiser, they decided to skip the traditional black-tie dinner and go for a coun- try-style rodeo instead. The night saw the guests enjoy line-dancing and a performance by Dolly Parton tribute act, Kay Molyneaux. Horwich mayor Victoria Rigby said: “The night turned out even bet- ter than we could have ever expected. We weren’t sure if everybody would enjoy the country music quite like Go-ahead for former surgery HMO plan Mayors’ rodeo is a fundraising hit (Photo credit: Henry Lisowski) we did but we haven’t heard a bad word about it! “Everyone got into the swing of the evening, donning their best cowboy outfits – we even had an appearance fromWoody! I would like to offer my extreme gratitude to everyone who bought a ticket and took part in such a special event!” Blackrod mayor Kathryn Grant added: “The venue was perfect for hosting a country night and it was brilliant to see so many people dressing up with cowboy hats and boots galore! “We are so grateful for all those that helped us make the event hap- pen and would love to do something similar again. To have raised such a good amount for our charities is amazing. A massive thank you to all that came and supported us in the name of our charities.” A total of £1,500 was raised on the night, which will be split between the mayors for their chosen charities. For Victoria, these are: Horwich Foodshare, Fortalice, and Teenage Cancer Trust. And for Kathyrn they are: Bolton Hospice, Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, and BoltonWanderers in the Community.