Town Teams gearing up to regenerate the high street

Traders, residents and community groups are joining together to regenerate the town centres of Prestwich and Radcliffe.

The Town Teams have been formed in response to the Mary Portas national campaign to give town centres a much needed regeneration.

Although both towns failed in the first bid for a Portas Pilot grant, they have been granted £10,000 funding so that some of their plans can come to fruition.

Both teams are a mixture of local businesses, community groups, residents, regeneration teams and those keen to breathe fresh life into the high street.

Radcliffe Business Group is heading up the Radcliffe Town Team, and invites everyone to the next meeting which is Tuesday 26 February (5.30pm) at the Funtastic Play Centre in Kenyon Street.

Among its proposals are: free wi-fi (including an internet café inside Radcliffe Market Hall); start-up businesses (especially young entrepreneurs); a clean-up of the high street; better town centre signage; a shop front scheme; and the creation of a “virtual high street”.

Bury Council’s Ruth Shedwick, who is co-ordinating support to both groups, said: “If you love your high street and want to see it thrive, then come on board!

“We need innovative go-getters who are passionate about their community to make the vision become a reality.”

Taking lead in Prestwich is Local In Prestwich, which wants to see high street shop fronts given a facelift – fresh paint, better signage, and a deep clean. The group also wants to involve the community, initiate a pop-up shop, use consistent branding of the urban village concept, and have merchandising workshops for shopkeepers.

Anyone interested in being in either Town Team should contact Ruth on 0161 253 5327 or email r.shedwick@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 February 2013.