CHRISTMAS is still four months away but Prestwich is already preparing a wish list.

For a new task force - Prestwich Partnership Initiative - is in town. With local councillors, council officials, business men, conservationists and interested groups on board, it aims to secure funding for projects before the council sets it capital budget in the autumn.

And topping the list is improved car parking and transport initiatives, long-awaited improvements to the town centre and conservation issues such as more greenery in the town.

The group is part of the Prestwich Regeneration Partnership (PRP), a body trying to raise the town's economic, environmental and social profile. Task force chairman, Councillor Wilf Davison, explained: "Last year the PRP had a number of sub-committees and we decided to scrap these and set up action orientated ad hoc task forces to home in on a particular area.

"This task force is looking at Prestwich town centre from St Mary's Park to the motorway to come up with some proposals. We are then trying to link our suggestions into councillors existing strategies - such as conservation, gateway and poverty strategies - which would give them more chance of coming into existence."

Task force member, businessman Mr John Arden, hopes the group will force town hall officials to look towards Prestwich and added: "The council is now starting to improve the area, which is a major change, and we want to capitalize on this.

"We aim to produce a priority list for capital investment by Bury Council and want anyone who wishes to put forward suggestions for developments to get in touch."

People with ideas can contact Coun Davison at Bury Town hall on 253 5000 before the next meeting on Tuesday September 29.

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