RESIDENTS in Ramsbottom can look forward to better services and a share of a £4million cash boost after councillors struck a deal with the Government.

Bury Metro, which covers all Ramsbottom as well as neighbouring areas, has pledged to deliver better services in a bid for a Government Performance Reward Grant.

The authority has drafted a local public service agreement with local government minister Nick Raysnford, which offers financial incentives for improved services over the next three years.

If the council meets all of its targets, it will receive the multi-million-pound grant to help provide extra resources in most public services.

Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford and council leader John Byrne have both signed the agreement to ensure the council commits to best value and strives to deliver improvements in quality of service.

Coun Byrne said: "Signing this agreement with the Government underlines the commitment that we have to providing the best possible services to all the people of our borough.

"We consistently strive to improve these and entering into this partnership will give us valuable additional resources, as well as increased flexibility to deliver the kind and quality of services that people living in Ramsbottom really want. This has to be great news for the borough and I was delighted to put pen to paper on its behalf."

As part of the PSA, Bury Metro will:

Increase performance at Key Stage 3

Improve educational attainment of children and young people in care

Reduce the level of unauthorised absence in primary and secondary schools

Reduce domestic burglary rates throughout the borough

Reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads

Help older people live independently

Improve cost effectiveness

The council also aims to increase the number of children who are active library members, and those at Key Stages 1 and 2 taking part in sport for at least two hours a week. Additional staff are to be employed to give support for young people. Juveniles causing trouble in the community will also be targeted.

Coun Byrne added: "It is also our aim to give young people alternatives to becoming involved in crime, while instigating anti-crime measures for repeat victims of domestic burglary in targeted areas."