Regeneration

Since my last report on the regeneration I can now update on what happens next.

Urbed gave a presentation at the last Radcliffe Local Area Partnership meeting and went through the three options to be decided on by the people of Radcliffe on how they want their town to look.

The first scheme, which could be carried out immediately, focuses on a large shop unit with two smaller ones on either side.

The second option also has shops, but includes houses as well.

A third scheme would see apartments built in the town centre alongside the retail units, but it could not be introduced for at least five years.

People can give their views on all three options during the consultation, which starts on Wednesday and will run until Friday, March 12.

The plans will be put on display at Radcliffe Library, in Stand Lane, and in a red London Routemaster bus which will visit The Piazza and Asda’s car park.

They can also be viewed online at urbed.coop and bury.gov.uk

This is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Bury and Radcliffe Times regarding the review of Radcliffe Civic Hall:

I would like to respond to the numerous letters and articles which have been published in the Bury and Radcliffe Times over the past few months regarding the review of the Radcliffe Civic Hall.

I am very disappointed (but not surprised) that the MP for Bury South, Ivan Lewis and the Radcliffe Labour Councillors and activists, have tried to politically hijack this extremely important issue. The scaremongering campaigns they have been running by suggesting this venue was set for closure is absolutely disgraceful and they should be ashamed of themselves. Not only have they whipped up the public into thinking the Civic Hall was closing but they have caused considerable distress to the staff who work there.

As we can now see, the Conservative administration has been telling the truth all along through consistent public announcements that no decisions have been made and this venue has never been earmarked for closure.

The Task and Finish Group have published their report of the review and the accusations from the Labour Group have been way off the mark as usual. The allegation that the Radcliffe Civic Hall was to close was purely political mischief by them for their own ends. This has enabled them to obtain maximum publicity at the expense and concern of the public and they appeared to have no concern about the anxiety this caused.

Perhaps in future, the local Labour Councillors will think twice before trying to manipulate the public into believing false allegations so they can use them to their political advantage – but I seriously doubt this! This episode has proven beyond doubt that Labour do not care about the people of Radcliffe, only about themselves.

Cllr Catherine Berry

Radcliffe East