LEADERS of a multi-million pound bid to transform the East Bury area are nervously keeping their fingers crossed.

Details of the ambitious project have now been submitted and a decision is expected next month.

If given the green light, the proposals will bring £5 million in Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding which could generate further investment of £30 million.

The bid has been put together by the Bury Strategic Partnership, and it is up to the North West Development Agency to make their recommendation to government ministers.

The East Bury Initiative covers a population of around 12,000 and the aim is to use the SRB funds to reverse the decline in the area as well as stimulate investment. In recent months local people have been putting forward their own views on what issues should be tackled, on everything from housing to health, the environment and lifestyle.

A specialist team would be set up in what is called an Urban Care Centre. Councillor John Byrne, deputy council leader and partnership chairman, said: "The partnership approach has driven us this far and we are optimistic about our chances of securing the funding that we need.

"Our vision is to improve the quality of life for all those who live and work in East Bury. We want to see not only a healthier community but one that benefits from investment and diversification in housing, has an improved environment for living and a self-confidence about it to take hold of its own future, both economically and socially."

Coun Byrne, who also represents East ward, added: "The initiative can make a real impact and while we do have a few nervous weeks of waiting we will continue with our planning and preparation."

Mr Alan Maden, Bury and Rochdale Health Authority chairman, one of the other partners in the initiative, said: "Poor health is a feature of some areas within Bury. The project plan for the Health Action Zone recognises this, and links poor health with disadvantaged communities.

"Health Action Zone status would help to focus and shape services for these target groups and SRB funding would aid this by enabling a range of additional health and welfare related projects in East Bury. We, like the rest of the partners, will be keeping our fingers crossed that the bid is successful."

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