RESIDENTS and councillors in Bromley Cross and Astley Bridge have joined forces with the British Legion to display giant poppies on lampposts.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage local people to sponsor one of the large poppies for £5 each in a bid to raise money for The British Legion in the run up to Armistice Day.

On November 11, at 11am, people across Bolton and the country will fall silent for two minutes to remember those killed in the two world wars as well as all British servicemen and women killed or injured since 1945.

As Bromley Cross Cllr David Greenhalgh explained, the big poppy campaign will not only raise money but provide an important symbol for local people in the run up to the important day of remembrance.

He said: “The support we’ve had from local businesses and residents has been great. We want to get Bromley Cross and Egerton awash with poppies by Remembrance Day. To see the streets lined with poppies is such a powerful image, and brings the community together to remember.”

The first 100 poppies have gone up on lampposts in Darwen Road and more are being put up in and around the ward. Elsewhere, councillors and local people in Astley Bridge are doing the same thing — aiming to see 200 of the large decorations on display in the area.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: “The first 50 have gone up in Astley Bridge.

“We’re aiming for 200, and more if we can get it. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported so far. The response has been amazing with such positive feedback already.”

The local teams are encouraging as many people as possible to sponsor the Poppy on a Lamp Post Appeal in their local area.

Bromley Cross residents should contact Cllr Greenhalgh on david.greenhalgh@bolton.gov.uk or leave a message on 07813386415 and for Astley Bridge residents are encouraged to e-mail Hilary.fairclough@bolton.gov.uk or call 07814378406.