A MULTI-million pound vision to transform the East side of Bury is becoming a reality.

A preliminary consultative conference attracted more than 100 representatives from community and statutory groups, as well as housing, tenants' and residents' associations.

Now, Bury's Strategic Partnership is taking the next step with a major consultation exercise in the form of an open day.

That will be held on Thursday, March 18, at The Mosses Centre in Bury, from noon until 7pm.

Local people will be able to call in at any time during the day, to find out more about the issues and make their comments known.

Decline

Bury Strategic Partnership chairman and deputy council leader, Cllr John Byrne, said: "We have already been given the go-ahead to put in a fully-developed Single Regeneration Budget bid which will have to be made by April 30.

"If successful, we anticipate that the bid will bring as much as £5 million in SRB funding and could generate investment of a further £30 million."

East Bury has a population of around 12,000 and the aim is to reverse the decline in the area and stimulate investment.

"We want to see better housing, to address health issues and to look at environmental and lifestyle matters," said Cllr Byrne.

"Our bid brings together a wealth of experience and with our partners we will be working hard over the coming months to bring about a successful conclusion."

During the open day, representatives from the Strategic Partnership will be on hand to inform and listen to people's views.

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