AINSWORTH is a step closer to producing a Village Design Statement (VDS) which will give residents the opportunity to help shape and safeguard the village's future.

A steady stream of villagers visited Christ Church Ainsworth Primary School for the recent open day organised by the Village Design Team (VDT).

They learned that a VDS would help ensure any future development of the village is sympathetic to its picturesque appeal.

Short seminars were held throughout the day and a Countryside Agency video was shown about other villages that have produced design statements. There were also discussions and a question and answer session.

Local schoolchildren produced an exhibition expressing what they think are the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of the village.

Peace and quiet, a good school and the library all got the thumbs up, but dog muck, derelict buildings, rubbish and bumpy roads were frowned upon.

In the afternoon Coun Barry Briggs, the chairman of Radcliffe Area Board, and Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, visited and both congratulated the team on their pioneering work. Ainsworth is the first urban village in Greater Manchester to set about the task of producing a design statement. The design team have also visited Simister and Hollins villages to advise on how they can form a VDS team.

Mr Lewis said such a document was important as it gives the community the chance to have their say in the future of their living environment.

The team will follow up the open day with a questionnaire to every household in the village.