Your Local Independent 206

Page 4 April 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 Election victory: The three new representatives on the town council (Photo credit: HBFI) THE cost of public parking at Royal Bolton Hospital has gone up. Hospital chiefs say that “small increases” to fees will help manage increas- ing costs for maintaining the car parks and roads across the hospital site. Free car parking is still in place for blue badge holders, cancer patients, relatives of end-of life-pa- tients, parents and car- ers of children admitted overnight and relatives of critically ill patients who have been admitted long term. Andrew Chilton, opera- tional director of finance at Bolton NHS Founda- tion Trust, said: “We have been able to freeze our public pricing for parking at Royal Bolton Hospital for the past two years, however we are experiencing rising costs when it comes to main- taining our car parks. “The revenue col- lected from car parking charges is reinvested into our hospital estate to make sure it’s fit for the future, and we will regularly review our charges to ensure that they are appropriate.” The new fees are: Up to 30 minutes: Free; Two hours: £3.50; Four hours: £5; Eight hours: £7; 24 hours: £10; Monthly: £30. Parking at Royal Bolton Hospital uses an automated number plate recognition system provided and managed by ParkingEye. People who use the vis- itor car parks should pay the correct charge at one of the kiosks before they leave the site, or they will face a penalty. ACTION is underway to tackle persistent anti-social behav- iour at Rawsthorne Park in Halliwell. Greater Manches- ter Police (GMP), Bol- ton Council, Bolton at Home, local councillors, and community groups are working closely together to tackle the issues affecting people in the area, includ- ing youth gatherings, antisocial behaviour and littering. In a statement announcing the initi- ative Bolton Council said: “This coordinated approach focuses on identifying those involved in recent incidents, increas- ing engagement with local mosques and schools, progressing appropriate enforce- ment and delivering targeted days of action and env i ronmen- tal improvements. “A major priority shared across all part- ners is addressing the lack of lighting in the park, which has con- tributed to reduced natural surveillance and increased oppor- tunities for antisocial behaviour during the darker months.” NEWS IN BRIEF BOLTON College held a Knife Crime Awareness Week, educating their students on the dangers and impacts of knife crime on individuals, families and communities. BOLTON Council’s employment support service has relocated to the One Stop Shop as work progresses on the demolition and redevelopment of Crompton Place. The service has been rebranded as the Bolton Employment Hub, reflecting its expanded offer and commitment to supporting people at every stage of their working lives. BOZ Pa r k i n Unsworth has offi- cially been declared as Bury’s newest Local Nature Reserve. It has become the eighth site in the borough to receive this nationally recognised status. The designation marks the culmination of a pro- ject developed over the past year, led by Bury Council in partnership with Natural England, local community rep- resentatives and other key stakeholders. And its new status acknowledges Boz’s growing importance for wildlife, nature con- servation and commu- nity recreation. Local Nature Reserves are identified through a national database coor- dinated by Natural Eng- land and are recognised as vital wildlife havens that offer opportunities for education, research and the informal enjoy- ment of nature. To achieve this desig- nation, sites must demonstrate strong local wildlife value and offer opportunities for people A NATURAL PROGRESSION Community effort: Boz Park has secured Local Nature Reserve status (Photo credit: Bury Council) to enjoy, learn about and connect with nature. Over recent years, the site has benefited from numerous enhance- ments designed to boost biodiversity and improve opportunities for residents to enjoy green space. The Local Nature Reserve designation means these improve- ments have been formally recognised and protected. To continue this work, Bury Council is collaborating with City of Trees and community interest company Prof- fitts to further develop the site. Additional funding ave- nues are being explored to bring to life a range of improvement ideas raised during a local commu- nity consultation. Paul Robinson, Bury’s green spaces officer, said: “We’re delighted that Boz has now been recognised as a Local Nature Reserve. “This designation reflects the passion and hard work of local resi- dents, community groups and partners who have helped shape the park into a space that sup- ports wildlife and offers real benefits for people. “ Prot ec t i ng Boz Local Nature Reserve for future generations is an important step in strengthening Bury’s network of green spaces, and we look forward to continuing improvements with our partners and the community.” The park joins the seven-strong list of Bury LNRs that includes Hollins Vale and Kirk- less Valley. Security improvements planned for park Joint initiative: PC Bramley, Neighbourhood Beat Officer, North Bolton, GMP; Cllr Rabiya Jiva; Cery McHugh, neighbourhood services manager, Bolton at Home; Gary Scott, community safety officer, Bolton Council (Image: Bolton Council) Council teams, along- side GMP, and Bolton at Home are jointly reviewing options for improved lighting. This includes assess- ing existing columns, identifying potential new locations, and ensuring any solution supports future CCTV provision. The aim is to create a safer, better‑lit, and more welcoming space for residents, families, and young people. Rabiya Jiva, Bol- ton Council executive member for stronger communities, and ward councillor for Halliwell, said: “Residents have been clear that they want to feel safe and proud of this park, and we are absolutely committed to making that happen. “By bringing together all partners we’re taking practical steps that will make a real difference – from stronger engage- ment with young people to exploring much‑needed lighting improvements. “This partnership approach is all about restoring confidence and making the park a place everyone can enjoy.” Improvement plans are due to be shared with local people in the summer. Hospital parking will cost more Increases: Hospital chiefs say the rise will help pay for car parkmaintenance (Photo credit: BoltonNHSFT) A trio of new councillors HORWICH has three new town council- lors after by-elec- tions were held to fill vacant roles. Gordon Stone is the new representative for the Claypool ward; Andrea Finney tri- umphed in the Church Ward ballot and Tracy Rotheram won the election to represent Bridge ward. All three new councillors are mem- bers of the Horwich and Blackrod First Independ- ents (HBFI) party. A HBFI spokesperson said: “We are so incredi- bly proud and can’t wait to see the wonderful work they are going to do in our community.”