Protect and promote community centres and other facilities.

Labour will review the neighbourhood asset stripping began by the Conservative Council, and get the best long-term arrangements for Council land, buildings, and sports facilities.

Community Asset Transfers are now operational.

Sale of unused land and buildings at best value to bring in income for the Council, however where there is demonstrable community use and need, then these are prioritised.

Work is on-going to review sport ground leases where limited leases prevent application for some high tier external funding. Completion of this work is a high priority.

We will work with partners regarding their community buildings with the aim that residents in the Borough can get the best community provision.

Work ongoing on community assets, owned by the council or any partner, including education, health, voluntary, place of worship. The aim is to utilise these assets to the maximum to release new space for community groups and activities as well as income regeneration.

We will prioritise the provision of local neighbourhood hubs to ensure residents have access to computers, job search, and education classes.

Working with our libraries service and other partners to offer computing and Deane & Derby community learning, including New Bury, Brownlow Fold, Bolton College and The Workshop at Victoria Square,. Clear demand for further expansion across the borough.

Schools are often vital community hubs. After school hours, these great facilities should be open to local communities for a variety of uses. We will work with schools to make this happen.

Many schools are open to local community use, but progress can be made on maximising this offer on a more local and community basis.

Many people now access council services online, and we will continue to support this option. However, the ability to speak with another person face to face is in danger of being lost. Labour will continue to provide a fit for purpose, accessible, ‘One Stop Shop’ offer for council services, and seek to expand this to other areas.

Face to face services at the One Stop Shop and other locations are protected. Digital inclusion strategy  for the growing use of technology to access services has been launched. We can harness digital technology to improve services in the future.