​Action stations for new Radcliffe Town Team

Traders and partners have joined forces in setting up a new Radcliffe Town Team to improve and regenerate the area.

The group has just held its first meeting and will now be drawing up an Action Plan to decide how best to rejuvenate the town centre and use available funding.

Organised by Bury Council, the focus of the meeting was a workshop led by Lisa Durkin (North West Town Team Advisor, Association of Town & City Management).

Several businesses will now be developing local priorities which will then be discussed at a follow-up meeting they are arranging in December. Among other things, the Action Plan will set out how the £10,000 in Portas Pilot funding which was awarded to Radcliffe will be spent.

Town team spokesman Eugene O’Donnell, of New Button Garment Alterations, said: “A Town Team is vital for the future economic development and future prosperity of Radcliffe. This has to be driven by town traders, local businesses and indeed any interested parties. Money is available but can only be accessed by a committed and organised Town Team. We would like as many people as possible to get involved so that the decisions taken truly reflect the needs of Radcliffe!”

The group was also updated on the major refurbishment of Radcliffe Market which will be opening in early December.

United Utilities also attended the meeting, and have promised to donate £5,000 towards the Action Plan.

Helen Apps, United Utilities spokesperson, said: “We were pleased to help out. It’s our way of thanking the community in Radcliffe for their patience while our major sewer improvement work on Church Street West continues.”

Radcliffe councillor Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for the environment, attended the meeting and said: “The council is committed to supporting Radcliffe town centre. In just two weeks the refurbished Market Hall will open, which is an important part of our wider plans to revitalise the town centre. Working closely with Radcliffe businesses and stakeholders is a key part of these plans.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in Radcliffe Town Team can contact Eugene O’Donnell on 0161 724 5364 or sales@newbutton.co.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 November 2014.