CULTURE vultures should have plenty to get their teeth into during the coming year.

The development of the Culture Quarter within the town centre, support for artists in schools projects, the further development of a Sculpture Trail and a marketing plan for Bury Art Gallery form just part of Bury Council's cultural objectives.

The draft policy of the programme, which runs from April to April, has been drawn up by the council's cultural services division.

It aims to encourage the growth of an "informed, creative and economically healthy society" where individuals can "enrich their own lives and the life of the community".

The programme hopes to change the current situation in which Bury fares poorly compared to other councils when it comes to spending on cultural services.

In the borough's libraries there are plans to provide more services in Braille and on tape as well as events for the deaf and public access to the Internet will be completed.

Partnership deals will be formed with booksellers, a reminiscence collection will be created for use in nursing and residential homes and a homework centre will be established at Prestwich Library.

Other plans include advice surgeries for arts organisations seeking funding, projects with ethnic groups and the development of arts projects to support housing, community safety and health initiatives.

Bury Council's leisure services committee approved the draft at a meeting last Thursday.

Any development of services will depend largely on continued success in securing external funds.

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