A CASH trade off could ensure that plans to re-vamp Prestwich's Longfield Precinct go ahead.

Bury Council is checking its coffers before committing to the new refurbishment plans being drawn-up for the shopping centre - the fifth in seven years.

This could involve concessions, such as a rent reduction, in return for owners Bourne End Properties Ltd sprucing up pedestrian areas, shop fronts and signs as well as installing new lighting

Talks have been taking place with Bourne End and outline proposals have been sent to the council. The controversial idea to move the library upstairs has been dropped while a new retail development is planned.

Phase one will be completed within 12 months of any agreement, with provision for future developments. Council leader Derek Boden said the impact on the "public purse" would have to be carefully considered. It will involve the council making some kind of financial sacrifice and we need to know how much that is likely to be. Only the council can accept this responsibility as there are considerations for the public purse," he said.

"However, local people should rest assured that we are extremely keen to involve them in detailed discussion about the future of the Longfield Centre as soon as we have assessed the likely financial implications for the council."

He hinted that work could be completed this year, but would not commit to a time-table.

He added: "We have said all along that changes are needed to regenerate the Longfield Centre but at the same time they need to be the right ones and negotiations will continue."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.