Council looks to local Businesses to form partnership

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 11/07/2006

Hot on the heels of a well attended business forum Bury Council is looking to identify business representatives from Bury town centre willing to work in close partnership to form a town centre steering group.

Over 50 business representatives attended the forum meeting and Liz Gillan the Town Centres Co-ordinator is now keen to establish a smaller steering group which will be responsible for the appointment of a Town Centre Manager, preparatory work for creating a Business Improvement District, and carrying out those improvements.

The steering group will comprise representatives from all relevant sectors of the business community in Bury Town Centre, together with key public sector agencies.  The group will work towards the formation of a Town Centre Partnership focussed on ensuring the future vitality and success of Bury Town Centre. 

Liz stressed the importance of all relevant sectors having an opportunity to be involved or represented, as the group will be action based, and a key driver in taking Bury Town Centre forward.  This is an opportunity to get involved and represent Town Centre Business, as the town centre moves forward to compete with our neighbouring towns, and retain a competitive edge.

Liz is particularly keen to hear from business representatives   within the town centre who could represent, for example, smaller independent traders on The Rock, or Bolton Street, and the evening economy, (pubs, restaurants and leisure providers).  The group will meet approximately six times per year and will link with the wider forum meetings which are open to all.  The first meeting will be held in September.

If you are interested or would like more information please contact Liz on 0161-253-5974 or by e-mail to e.gillan@bury.gov.uk before 27 July.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Mike Connolly said: "Being part of the steering group will allow people to become actively involved in the decision making process and their valuable contribution will allow the business community to grow and prosper."