Boltons 1m play scheme has lit up the summer

A SUMMER holidays activities programme has gone down a storm with adventurous youngsters in Bolton.

Last June The Bolton News revealed plans for a £1m play and free meals scheme had been drawn up after the success of a similar project around Easter.

And to date more than 8,500 sessions have been delivered over the first three weeks of the holidays.

Parents have praised the initiative for being "fun, friendly and well organised", with everything from skateboarding to cookery keeping youngsters occupied.

Cllr Anne Galloway, children's services cabinet member, said: "I have been so pleased to visit some of the sessions to see first-hand what a positive impact the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is having on children in our borough.

“After the past 18 months of lockdown, and the disruption caused by class bubbles closing, the programme has proved a real benefit to children during the long holidays to keep them stimulated with activities and allows them to socialise with their age group.

“The feedback from both families and local ward councillors has been excellent and is testament to the hard work of staff and our partners in the community sector.

“With a week of activities still to come I urge everyone to visit the website and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, learn new skills and eat healthily."

Cllr Bernadette Eckersley Fallon who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor ward, added: “I visited one of the HAF events at Central Park in Westhoughton last Monday.

“It was a cookery class which was extremely well attended, with more than 250 children learning together with their parents.

“It was lovely to hear everyone having fun in the sunshine while learning important skills."

Parents are being encouraged to take advantage of the remaining sessions, with the scheme winding up on August 28.

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