AFTER months of disruption and disturbance, Prestwich precinct is set to become a calm haven as the long-awaited new water feature is launched.

The modern glass and granite structure has been named The Retreat, to reflect the ancient name of Prestwich, Priest's Retreat.

And council bosses are hoping the piece of public art will offer a peaceful retreat to shoppers in the Longfield Centre.

The official unveiling of the £350,000 water feature will take place on Monday (April 26) from 3.30pm by local councillors, members of the business forum, Prestwich area co-ordinator Carran O'Grady and Longfield Suite manager David Curtis.

Special guests will include Prestwich toastmaster Elissa Baker and The Retreat designer Isabella Lockett, who is a public artist.

There will also be musical entertainment plus a dance performance by pupils of Prestwich Community High School.

Plans for the water feature were revealed in 2002 as part of the Prestwich village strategy, which has seen £2.5 million of regeneration work in and around the precinct.

The council scheme, which has received funding from the North West Development Agency and Countryside Properties, has included a refurbishment of the Longfield car park, new lighting, seating and pedestrian walkways.

Although local residents and businesses agreed it was time to spruce up the precinct, there have been floods of complaints about dust and disruption since work started on the project last March.

Initially it was hoped the work would be completed by December but local traders were angered further when the scheme was delayed.

Prestwich co-ordinator Carran O'Grady said: "There have been problems that just weren't envisaged, but we hope they have now been overcome. I hope people are happy with the result. More than 400 people have been involved in writing poetry in workshops that has been included in the sculpture."

Area board chairman, Coun Keith Grime, added: "Local residents and businesses have worked hard together to make a vision into reality."

Chris Wilkinson, the North West Development Agency's Acting Area Manager for Greater Manchester, said: "This project has made a real contribution to the regeneration of Prestwich increasing its reputation as a vibrant location and strengthening its future."