RESIDENTS are using people power to help shape the future of their town.

More than 100 local people have commented on ambitious plans to set up an urban Regeneration Project in the heart of Bury.

Council bosses from the town's housing, education and environmental services departments now plan to evaluate suggestions from residents in the East Ward area on how their neighbourhood can be improved.

Topics ranged from environmental works to improving traffic flow, repairs to property, crime and security, plus facilities for children, allotments, litter and home improvements.

If the Regeneration Project is given the go-ahead, plans might include improving East Ward CP School, grants to private homeowners and either refurbishing or disposing of the Geoffrey Kershaw and Arthur Scholes community centres.

Money for the scheme may come from the sale of these centres and council-owned garages. Cash may also be raised through the Government's new education capital programme.

Bury's housing and environmental services committee chairman, Cllr John Smith, said: "During the consultation period we were able to identify a whole range of issues which need to be looked at in East Ward.

"It was a wonderful opportunity for those who live in the area, council tenants and private home owners alike, to have their say."

A series of public meetings may now be arranged for further discussion with local people, and residents may be invited to join a steering group.

Local councillor Mike Connolly added: "It is only early days yet, and if the Regeneration Project is to become a reality we need to get even more of the local community involved.

"However, we believe we have got things off to a good start, now we need to sit down and consider the comments made and see where we are going from here."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.