A DERELICT Methodist church will be demolished to make way for the expansion of the Mill Gate Shopping Centre in the middle of Bury.

Developers have also asked for part of the town centre post office to be knocked down as part of their programme to build four new shops in the conservation area of The Haymarket.

Also included in the development plans are the remodelling of the Lions Garden and new paving to Crompton Street to attract shoppers.

Approving the proposals, planning officials said that although the character of the conservation area would be altered and the buildings lost, the scheme would enhance the area and benefit the whole of the town centre.

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