The first green shoots of spring will soon be seen after  2,000 bulbs were planted with the help of schoolchildren.

Councillors, David Wilkinson, Alison Jackson, Gillian Wroe and Linda Maher have been out and about in Westhoughton in recent weeks planting spring bulbs in Central Park.

The Westhoughton Town Council funded initiative has involved planting snowdrops and English bluebells around the town, following on from the planting of 4,000 daffodils last year.

All nine of Westhoughton’s schools have also been taking part in the project with children planting them on school grounds.

Westhoughton town councillor Alison Jackson said: “It’s really exciting for us to be able to bring back the Big Plant initiative after we planted 4,000 daffodils last year.

“Westhoughton is going to be blooming very soon.

“We are also going to be looking at creating a wildflower area in Hall Lee Bank Park this year.”

The Bolton News: Councillors David Wilkinson and Linda Maher bulb plantingCouncillors David Wilkinson and Linda Maher bulb planting (Image: Cllr David Wilkinson)Read more of our top stories here:

Cllr Wilkinson also said: “Last year we had quite a good response from various community groups when we planted the 4,000 daffodils.

“This year we have planted spring bulbs and the reason we involved schools was because we wanted to try and get young people to be involved and have some ownership around their environment because it is time to get people to act in a responsible manner and respect their environment.

“We don’t have as many bulbs this time because spring bulbs are more expensive than daffodils, so we only have 2,000 but I am glad to say all the schools were involved and myself and Cllr Jackson went round, and it was really good to see the positive response from all the schools.

“Whether it was youngsters involved or members of staff, they all had a very positive attitude towards it.

“We are hoping we will also have an autumn bulb planting and the main thing is about improving the environment and making it a bit nicer, the world can be an awful place at times, but a bit of colour has an impact.”

Previously community groups including the Friends of Westhoughton Station, and local residents have been involved in planting schemes in Central Park and at Diddy Bottle Park, off Church Street.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.