Greater Manchester councils team up for town centre redevelopment

Author: Ashley Curtis - 22 March 2013

A number of local authorities in the Greater Manchester area are joining forces in order to revitalise the region's eight major town centres, cites localuknews.co.uk.

Reported in full by messengernewspapers.co.uk, ten councils are working together in order to ensure the region's towns 'complement each other' with Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan all taking part.

The authorities will be investing in high streets with a view to refurbishing market quarters, protecting mainstream stores and encouraging independent traders into the town.

The funds could also be used to give town centres a new lick of paint, with additional outdoor litter bins, street lights or other high street furniture serving as ideal examples.

Cllr Matt Colledge, the chairman of Altrincham Forward and leader of Trafford Council, believes Altrincham will benefit a huge amount from the investment.

He commented on the plan: "Altrincham Forward's vision is to restore Altrincham to an attractive, bustling modern market town with a distinct and bold identity, and there is really positive work going on to achieve this.

"The town has a vital role to play in Greater Manchester, and we will be working with our Greater Manchester colleagues to develop out proposals and ensure we can deliver the maximum impact on the region's economy," he added.