EAST Ward residents are being given a historic opportunity next week to shape their neighbourhood for the next millennium.

Council leaders are inviting locals to five open days to talk about setting up a regeneration project for the area.

Everything from housing to education and leisure is up for discussion - but it is up to residents to tell bosses what they want.

The aim is to let locals have their say and gauge the amount of support there is to bring about change within the community.

The target area takes in everything between Bell Lane and Wash Lane, from Parsonage Street to the motorway.

Held at the Geoffrey Kershaw Centre, the open days are from 10am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

Officers from housing, environmental services and education will be on hand to show residents maps and photographs and record people's views.

The idea is the brainwave of Mr Sandy Paterson, Bury's personal and community services director.

Regeneration might involve improving East Ward CP School, grants to private homeowners and getting rid of vandalised flats, and either refurbishing or disposing of the Geoffrey Kershaw and Arthur Scholes centres.

Money for the work could come through the sale of garages and centres, cash set aside from council house sales, or the Government's new education capital programme.

Coun John Smith, housing and environmental services chairman, said: "We want to give residents every opportunity to put their views forward."

Residents may be invited to join a steering group to work through the ideas.

"All those living in the area are welcome to come along," said Coun Smith. "It is in their long-term interests and now is the time for them to let us know exactly what they want."

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