BOLLINGTON got a surprise New Year present when the borough's planning officers said they were trying to get the town £30,000.

Three stunned councillors were overjoyed by the news that Linden Homes were asked by the officers to stump up the cash if they wanted to press ahead and demolish Ingersley Vale Garage and build six houses.

Bollington councillors, Sylvia Roberts, Graham Evans and Neil Smith, had not heard about the possible windfall, and were delighted.

A startled Coun Roberts asked: "This £30,000 googly you have just thrown us, what is it about?"

Planning officer Simon Wood explained that when open space is lost to a development the council can ask for money in exchange for that, which is then spent improving the locality.

After the meeting Coun Evans said: "It was a very nice surprise and is a great opportunity to get something for the community.

"It's up to Bollington Town Council to decide what the money is spent on.

"I am looking forward to the council's next meeting so we can see how we can make the best use of the money."

During the meeting Mr Wood suggested it could be spent on things like the recreation ground, the war memorial and the Adlington Road play area.

He added: "The community would get some benefit from that. If the developers chose to ignore it, then we can refuse their application.

"But they don't know about this yet, and I only heard about the suggestion yesterday."

Councillors agreed to the development, which is the second stage of a construction by Linden Homes.

Coun Evans said: "The initial development has totally transformed the area and we are very, very pleased.

"This will be a success story, of all the developments in Bollington it's one of the better ones."

Linden Homes were unavailable for comment.