What a difference a year makes!

Bury’s six Township Forums are beginning to make a real difference to the community, according to a progress report presented to the council’s annual meeting.

Less than one year after each forum agreed a Township Plan, a number of successful initiatives have been developed that are making a positive impact on people’s lives. 

In Bury East, a project developed by the forum to tackle the harm associated with alcohol misuse is already seeing positive results, including steady reductions in alcohol related anti-social behaviour. 

Tan Ahmed, forum chair, said: “I’m delighted that this project is making a difference to the quality of life for people who live in our township. Local people have agreed the projects and I think this is why we are seeing positive results.”

Whitefield and Unsworth and Bury West township forums have had success by working with a local bus operator to bring improvements to bus services in their areas.

Forums in Radcliffe and Prestwich have supported a number of community events, such as the Prestwich Community Clean-up. Both have been active in the nationwide Portas project to improve their high streets.

Last but not least, Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor forum has been promoting the Backing Young Bury scheme locally, supporting local businesses to give young people training and employment opportunities.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities, said: “Less than a year ago each Township Forum agreed a Township Plan, and we are already beginning to see the positive differences they are making. We still need more people to get involved, so please do come along to meetings to support this work. Let’s see what difference another year can make! The next round of meetings will involve round table discussions to agree priority actions for the year ahead, so we really need local people to get involved.”

Details of the next round of meetings can be found on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 17 May 2013.