LEIGH's MP has expressed her 'disappointment' in a row that has broke out over a council decision to put the town forward in a regeneration scheme.

Jo Platt has taken to social media to defend the cabinet's move to nominate Leigh as Wigan borough's choice for Greater Manchester's The Town Centre Challenge which was confirmed in a meeting on Thursday.

Other towns who have missed out on the scheme, which will provide funding for more housing opportunities, venues for events and public sector hubs, include Atherton in which residents have condemned the decision.

Ms Platt said: "I am really disappointed that this has been turned into a town vs town scenario.

"This initiative is the complete opposite of that.

"The scheme is about economic development for the whole area and concentrates on the place that has the capacity to deliver it.

"As I have said many times before, social mobility is a huge problem in the constituency and any scheme that will enable skills, job creation, affordable living and better connectivity - particularly for our young people - is one that we should all get behind."

MP Chris Green, Atherton and Atherleigh ward councillors and chairman of Atherton Resident Association chairman Stuart Gerrard submitted letters to present their town's case for nomination in the challenge.

A petition of around 1,500 signatures was also presented by Mr Gerrard in favour of supporting Atherton's bid.

But town hall bosses concluded Leigh offers the strongest opportunity to be awarded funds from the scheme following up on the £4 million Believe in Leigh Fund, the £1 million Bradshawgate area works and also offers the best area for developing housing in the town.

MP Chris Green said: "After reading Wigan Council’s report, it appears to suggest Atherton has not been picked because it requires too much intervention to be successful.

"Does that mean that our town centre is now being passed over for regeneration and investment because Wigan Council has abandoned it for so long that now, fixing it, would be too much of a challenge for them?

"We have a lovely town centre but it has been long neglected by the local authority and this decision underlines this.

"I will not let Atherton be resigned to the scrap heap."

Mr Gerrard added: "Jo may be disapointed that she seemingly thinks this is now a town vs town issue but this is not the case.

"She will not be as disappointed as the people of Atherton and the town itself as this scheme would of give Atherton the kick start it needs.

"People's frustrations are not aimed at any MP or councillors but at the council itself for ignoring Atherton again.

"If Leigh is a forgotten town and worthy of the funding, the people of Atherton feel completely abandoned."