NEW museums for the new Millennium could be on their way for the borough's six towns.

And the ambitious plans aim to give thousands of residents "hands on" experience of their culture and heritage rather than simply viewing relics of the past.

Until now the museum service has been based in Bury but council bosses are now thinking of creating new museums in other towns such as Radcliffe. There would be more partnership work with local history societies, and the expansion would tie in with other regeneration plans for surrounding towns in the borough, plus linking up with schools.

Meanwhile, at Bury a new museum and archives study centre would be created in the basement. Councillor Andrea Hughes, chairman of lifelong learning, said: "These proposals offer an exciting alternative and a real way to take our museums service out to the community for the 21st century.

"Increasingly there is demand and interest in local museum developments which this initiative would cater for.

"We have already seen the successful running of the Ramsbottom Heritage Centre and in other townships such as Radcliffe there is real interest for something similar."

Coun Hughes said that if the scheme was approved, the council would talk to local communities to find the best venues. The talks would also explore the possibilities of increasing the number of exhibits from the ethnic minorities.

The proposals, which may involve looking for special grants to pay for them, were approved by councillors at Wednesday's executive committee meeting.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.