Your Local Independent 203

Page 10 January 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm DERBY BARRACKS, FLETCHER STREET, BOLTON BL3 6NF www.emmaus-bolton.org.uk • info@emmausbolton.org.uk WE SELL RECYCLED FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL 01204 398056 UPCYCLED AND HANDMADE FURNITURE AND GARDEN FURNITURE BOLTON Council leader Nick Peel has welcomed news that eligible passengers can access free round- the-clock bus travel, following his pub- lic campaign. He had repeatedly called for Greater Man- chester’s 24/7 free travel scheme to be perma- nently extended and believes the decision will make a real difference for thousands of peo- ple across the borough of Bolton. Across the UK anyone over the state pension age, and passengers with disabilities, can travel by bus for free but only after 9.30am on weekdays. Greater Manches- ter has twice trialled schemes to lift this restriction and the move will now be made per- manent from March – subject to budgeting and consultation. The move was agreed by the Greater Man- chest er Combined Authority’s cabinet, the decision-making body made up of all ten coun- cil leaders and chaired by the city region’s mayor Andy Burnham. It has been joined by a raft of other policies designed to make public transport more affordable across the city region includ- ing fare freezes on buses and trams. Cllr Peel said: “From speaking to residents, and from the feedback on my social media posts, I know how popular the trial schemes have been. “The old system was unfair to anyone trav- elling early for work or volunteering, to visit friends or to attend an appointment. “I have led the calls for 24/7 free travel to be made permanent and raised the issue directly in meetings with Mayor Andy Burnham. “Alongside my Bol- ton Council cabinet col- leagues, we are delighted this decision has now been confirmed. “Together with fare freezes that keep public transports affordable for all, this is another great example of how our res- idents benefit from Bol- ton being an active and engaged partner in Greater Manchester.” ASTLEY Hall, a Grade I listed build- ing dating back to the late 16th century, has undergone sig- nificant restoration in recent years. The West Wing, which houses historically sig- nificant rooms such as the Tudor Kitchen, Cromwell Bedroom, and Stucco Bedroom, is now the focus of conser- vation repairs to ensure the building remains watertight and struc- turally sound. These works will protect the hall’s unique plasterwork and museum collec- tions, while improving environmental condi- tions for both visitors and artefacts. A team of experienced professionals has been appointed by the council and the £400,000 project has been made possible thanks to funding from The Wolfson Foundation (£100,000), the govern- ment’s UK Shared Pros- perity Fund (£34,000) and a donation from The Friends of Astley Hall (£5,000) alongside Chor- ley Council’s investment. The pr o j e c t i s Bus campaign win is just the ticket Restoration works are set to begin later this month on theWest Wing of Astley Hall, one of Lancashire’s most treasured heritage sites. Work continues on historic hall scheduled to run until July. While closed at the moment, the hall is set to partially reopen in April. The Great Hall and ground floor rooms will still be accessible, with upper floor rooms open- ing as work allows. The hall will fully reo- pen for Chorley Flower Show at the end of July, ahead of a summer programme of events to enjoy. Peter Wilson, deputy leader of Chorley Coun- cil, said: “Astley Hall is a jewel in Chorley’s crown, and these works are vital to ensure its continued preservation. “By investing in the West Wing, we’re not only protecting the build- ing’s fabric but also cre- ating opportunities for people to learn about its fascinating history and craftsmanship. This is about safeguarding our heritage while inspiring future generations. “We look forward to welcoming people back to the hall later in the year with new opening hours and lots of exciting new events to enjoy.”