COUNCILLORS in Heaton and Lostock will spend more than £4,000 of the area's budget on a Christmas tree.

Earlier this year, the Heaton and Lostock area forum was allocated a one off highways budget of £74,346.68.

So far, around half has been spent, with £38,000 allocated to resurfacing Junction Road.

Speaking at the Heaton and Lostock area forum, Idris Jeewa, area co-ordinator revealed plans on how some more of the money will be spent.

Addressing the residents in attendance, he said: "Councillors have made a decision to purchase a Christmas tree, which will be planted on the little island at the junction of Chorley New Road and Beaumont Road, just behind the bench that's there at the moment.

"So hopefully you will have a young Christmas tree which you will see develop over the coming years.

"The cost of that is just over £4,000. That's for the electrics that will go on the tree and the cabling work as well in order for some lights to be put on."

The purchase will leave the ward with a highways budget of £32,334.68 for the 2018/19 municipal year.

In addition to the highways budget, there is a deprivation budget of £249, a flat rate budget of £3,750, and £3,500 for community safety initiatives.

There is also £375 remaining from the 2017/18 flat rate budget, after £300 was allocated to Heaton Art Group to help them cover the cost of their rent.

Mr Jeewa added: "Members are in talks with how to allocate this money.

"As always, when decisions are made on these funds, this will be reported back to future area forums."

The area forum highways budget is separate from the £600,000 capital investment pot allocated to each ward in Bolton, to fill potholes and fix pavements.

Elgol Drive, Arran Close, Third Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Melrose Avenue, Second Avenue, Aenby Avenue, Carlton Road, Brighton Avenue, Victoria Road, Rydal Road/Ernlouen Avenue junction, and Armadale Road will be repaired using that funding.

Carlton Road was one of the first roads to be repaired, with work starting last week.