In an important Westminster Hall debate on active transport, Chris Green MP raised his concerns over the lack of cycling and walking provisions planned for the Horwich Loco Works.

Despite being the largest single housing development in Greater Manchester with 1,700 homes, the Bolton West and Atherton MP argued that not enough has been done to help his constituents live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Chris Green made the point that the town of Horwich could have been connected by foot and bicycle to Horwich Parkway railway station via the Horwich Loco Works, however there has been no mention of cycling and walking developments in the original masterplan.

During a speech at Westminster Hall Mr Green, who regularly cycles himself, said: “Cycling and walking is great for people’s health, both physical and mental, and we should be doing all we can to encourage this.

“The Horwich Loco Works provided a fantastic opportunity to connect the town centre in Horwich to its local railway station, with a perfect cycling and walking route but the current masterplan gives little to no detail about plans like these.

“You often hear the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Bolton’s Labour Councillors talk about clean air, health and wellbeing, yet their lack of walking and cycling plans for the Horwich Loco Works demonstrate these issues have never been their top priority.

“With the new Conservative leadership on the Council and a new liaison group for the Loco Works, I hope that this situation can be improved in the future.”