MORE than 200 residents on the Hillock Estate attended a special forum to give their views on how their lives could be improved.

Ideas were put on display during a "Vision for Hillock Day" at the Shuttle Centre, Albert Road, Whitefield, to debate potential improvements for the estate.

Comments were invited by the landlords Rivers (Hillock) Housing Assocation on various suggestions to develop derelict sites, from play parks and community centres, to providing traffic calming measures in certain areas.

A spokesman for the association said: "We intend to report back on the findings of the event to residents.

"We plan to make it a twice-yearly occasion for listening to the views and comments of tenants and residents in our ongoing commitment to improve the overall quality of life on Hillock."

Council leader Derek Boden, who serves the Besses ward, held a surgery at the event which was attended by several other organisations, including the local credit union, Bury Lifelong Learning, Bury Metro Arts Cultural Services, Building Links, which provides information on employment and training in the construction industry, and the Information Shop for Young People.

Children were entertained by magician Uncle Chris.