PRESTWICH Business Forum,under new "management", are to draw up a "wish list" of ideas to improve the commercial sector of the town.

Following the appointment of a new chairman, deputy, secretary and treasurer, the Business Forum held an executive meeting and decided that they are to forge ahead with their involvement in creating a better Prestwich.

The group decided to channel their energies into the Bury New Road and Bury Old Road corridors and interconnecting commercial areas by highlighting Prestwich as the southern gateway to Bury.

A lot of effort in the past has been put into lobbying for an improved Prestwich town centre, including the Longfield Centre, but it was decided that with recent improvements such as the new Marks and Spencer store, the Metrolink Station, a new development by Richardsons and the Council's work on the car park, the area had "gathered its own momentum".

Secretary Harry Johnston, said: "The only missing piece of the jigsaw, which we would continue to lobby for, is the need to glaze over some of the public areas between shops to create an indoor aspect."

He said the wish list would concentrate on the regeneration of all commercial aspects of Prestwich and added: "We believe that just as the Longfield has generated its own momentum, if the business forum channels its energy and collective talents towards the commercial sector of Prestwich, then other areas of concern will automatically be satisfied."

The group has also created its first business forum directory, with more than 120 businesses included, which will be available to members by Christmas.