BURY South MP Ivan Lewis is keeping up the pressure for regeneration of the rundown Elms Shopping Centre in Whitefield.

Last year Mr Lewis, ward councillor Warren Flood and Bury Council's Head of Economic Development, Colin Fishwick, went to the Isle of Man for discussions with the owners about how the area could be improved.

The state of the precinct has angered local people for some time.

Since the IoM trip, discussions between council officers, residents, traders and the site owners have continued over possibilities for redevelopment of the site and adjacent shops.

Impact

At a meeting to review the discussions, Mr Lewis said he had been heartened by the impact that the Brand centre had had on the Whitefield area, creating jobs and bringing customers to the area.

"There is still a great deal of work to be done in terms of revitalisation of the area and, in particular, the Elms Precinct," said Mr Lewis.

"Whilst dialogue with all parties is continuing, it is my intention to speak again with the site owners to see how quickly we can make progress in the regeneration work."

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