TOWN BANKS ON THE FUTURE

Plans to redevelop the banks of the Bridgewater Canal are just part of the ambitious proposals.

And council officials want the public's help to decide what facilities the area should have in the future.

The first step is a dedicated exhibition which will be unveiled at the Stretford Area Board meeting next Tuesday night.

Those attending will be able to chat with councillors and other local representatives to discuss what they feel should be done to improve their area.

Council regeneration manager Dennis Smith says: "As regular users of the centre will know, Stretford has a lot going for it but there is always room for improvement.

"Stretford is more than just the Arndale Centre and working with local groups, land owners and residents, we want to redevelop the town for everyone's benefit.

"That is why we are holding the exhibition at the meeting and then have been given the use of an empty shop unit in the arndale so that people can drop in and have a chat with us.

"There are some assets which could be developed like the canal area - a scheme which has worked well in Sale and could achieve similar success in Stretford."

Council leader Cllr David Acton believes that everyone in the community has a part to play in improving Stretford town centre and feels the meeting is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

He says: "Trafford council has breathed new life in to the other town centres in the borough and with people's help we can give Stretford a boost.

"We are working hard with our partners to improve Stretford so now is the time for people to see the exhibition and make their ideas known."

The exhibition will be unveiled at the Stretford Area Board meeting at Stretford Public Hall next Tuesday, September 12 starting at 6.15pm. It then moves to Stretford Arndale Centre between September 14-16.

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