TOWN centre traders have launched a campaign against a proposed new community centre.

Dozens of shopowners are worried the one-stop information centre planned to be housed in the former Radcliffe Times building in Church Street, would create just as many problems as when it was used as a hostel for the homeless.

A petition, which has been signed by more than 50 Radcliffe traders, has been sent to Bury Council.

The centre is to be aimed at supporting young people and vulnerable older people as well other groups.

Mr Neil Higginson, who owns five shops in Church Street, said: "What is the point of me and other traders trying to improve Radcliffe when the council just kick us in the teeth?" His main concern is that asylum seekers and refugees, two of the groups the centre would cater for, will attract problems.

"It's going to be the dregs of society once again. We're fed up with it.

"It's a silly project. Why don't the council use the money to boost Radcliffe Market instead?"

Mr Higginson said: "We trust the views of these business ratepayers and other interested parties will be taken into account."

He is also annoyed at what he regards as the "wasted money" which would be ploughed into creating the planned Radcliffe marketmuseum.

"If a museum is needed at all in the town centre, why not establish it in the former Radcliffe Times building which has more history than the market hall?

"Some of the money saved could then be used to improve Radcliffe Market," he said.

The future of the former Radcliffe Times building is top of the agenda at next week's meeting of Radcliffe area board.

Plans to turn it into a youth and community centre have attracted opposition from local residents and traders.

The public is invited to have its say at the meeting, which is on Tuesday (Sep 3) at Radcliffe Civic Suite, starting at 7pm.

Also on the agenda are plans to shake up electoral boundaries, which could mean the borough having an extra ward and three more councillors. Maps showing some of the options will be available at the meeting.

The meeting will also discuss the ongoing regeneration of Radcliffe, especially developments at the East Lancs Paper Mill and the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.

A report looking at the future of thousands of council houses will be presented: one of the options is to sell them off.

Police and traffic problems will also be discussed, and the meeting starts with the usual 45-minute open forum for residents to raise any matters of concern.