DEVELOPERS paid £220,000 towards improving parts of Bury in the last recorded three months.

Under a Section 106 agreement, people who are unable to include recreation space in new building developments must pay into a fund so Bury Council can create desirable public space nearby.

In the three months up until the end of September. nine developers contributed cash, taking the total unspent Section 106 funds past the £3 million mark.

A new council report says: "It is important to note that a time lag between receipt and expenditure of contributions is to be expected, as funds have to be allocated to specific schemes and, in some cases, contributions are for long-term maintenance of land that has been transferred to the council."

In the same period, the council has spent £104,500 of Section 106 money on environmental improvements.

The areas to benefit include Openshaw Park, Broad Oak playing fields, Radcliffe skate park, Fern Street Allotments and Whitehead Park.

The report added: "Funding has also been allocated to a number of projects across the borough, including works to play areas, improvements to parks, bowling facilities and allotments.

"The priority is to ensure these contributions are allocated within the area the development took place.

"Ward councillors are consulted in writing and feedback from them informs the final list of schemes.

"The last consultation took place during the summer and the next is due around the end of November."