RADCLIFFE could soon be the sculpture capital of the North West. And local people will have a major input if the ambitious plans are realised.

Council arts officers want to set up a sculpture factory in the town, where important works of art can be created and residents taught the tricks of the trade.

The town has been on the arts map ever since German sculptor Ulrich Ruckriem unveiled his huge standing stones at the former Outwood Colliery.

The monumental work is one of several pieces of the Irwell Sculpture Trail to be based in Radcliffe and across the borough, which should prove a top tourist attraction.

Mr Tony Trehy, Bury's principal arts officer, confirmed that the North West Arts Board was considering the plans which, if approved, could be paid for with National Lottery cash.

The idea has been raised in Bury Council's new culture strategy.

Officers want the arts to play a major role in people's lives, influencing economic prosperity and social cohesion rather than simply being seen as a luxury. They say that Radcliffe, which has been undergoing regeneration over the last few years, is a prime location in which to promote the arts.

The town will be one of the focal points of the culture strategy say arts officers, who are urging the council to co-ordinate activities around the Civic Hall and the library, which they want to develop as a centre for the study of contemporary sculpture.

Mr Trehy said: "The Sculpture Trail will make the borough a national centre for public art, so it makes sense to have a production base here.

"Some people have the idea that sculpture is a bit arty but sculptors need studios and equipment to make their work, so in that sense it's also a manufacturing industry like any other."

The arts and cultural sector is the country's fourth largest employer and has grown by more than a third in ten years.

Officers estimate that Bury has 250 companies which work in the sector, and aim to provide them with specialist advice and support.

They want to involve schoolchildren and adults alike in using the arts to promote everything from building design to health awareness

The culture strategy has been approved by councillors who have sent the document out for consultation to local organisations and arts agencies.

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