General: Astley Bridge is a small suburb of Bolton with a population of around 3,000. Ideally located with easy access to the A666 and motorway links, the area is ideal for commuting into nearby towns and into Manchester. Formerly known as Lower Sharples and with a cotton mill history, it is now home to a converted mill development known as the Cottonworks.

Location: The area has excellent transport links in all respects. The A666 runs through the heart of Astley Bridge and is quickly connected to the M60 allowing easy access into Manchester. The nearest rail station is Hall-I-th-Wood and is located on the Manchester Victoria – Clitheroe line. There are numerous bus services covering Astley Bridge including:

• No 537/538 Arriva - Bolton
• No 525/526/527 Maytree - Bolton
• No 535 Arriva - Between Bolton & Blackburn

With its close proximity, bus services journeys into Bolton Town Centre last only a few minutes.

Healthcare: There are numerous doctors available in the area including;

• Waters Meeting Health Centre, Waters Meeting Road – 01204 463888
• Mandalay Medical Centre, Blackburn Road – 08444 771751

Education: Astley Bridge is served by a number of schools including St Pauls CE Primary and Thornleigh Salesian College. Located in the surrounding areas the village is also ideally positioned for the catchment of St Thomas CE and St Joseph’s RC in Halliwell as well as Canon Slade school in Bradshaw Brow.

Local facilities: Astley Bridge has a good choice of retail shops located on the main road through its centre – A666 with various pubs/cafes located here. The nearest supermarket is Asda on Moss Bank Way. Just a few minutes away from the area is Bolton Town Centre which consists of a shopping mall and various high street shops.

Leisure: The village is home to Astley Cricket Club and there is a Virgin Active gymnasium located at the Valley. Also at the Valley, is located a large cinema and a number of restaurants.

Local authority: Bolton Council.