DREAMS are being turned into reality as the on-going transformation of East Bury continues.

Parts of the environment have been enhanced through a package of projects supported by the North West Development Agency (NWDA).

A sum of £144,000 of funding, out of a total of £700,000 allocated to the area by the NWDA, has assisted people through the community small sites improvements initiative.

The scheme, which is supported by the expertise of Groundwork Bury, aims to bring rundown, unsightly patches of land back into community series.

The series of relatively small-scale schemes has ranged from putting up simple fences and clean-ups, to more substantial landscaping projects with the introduction of communal seating areas. All the schemes have been universally greeted with approval.

Councillor Trevor Holt, chairman of Bury East Area Board said: "The environment projects are a very welcomed initiative in East Bury. The combined efforts of Groundwork Bury, Bury Council and the NWDA has produced a fine scheme which will greatly enhance the quality of life for people.

"This is an excellent example of several agencies working together to respond to the aspirations of the people of the East Bury area."

Ruth Pugsley, regeneration manager for the NWDA, said: "I'm impressed by the way in which officers from Groundwork Bury and the council have shared their knowledge and expertise throughout the area of Bury to bring about real benefits to both businesses and local communities. I had every confidence with the quality of work undertaken through the Business Investment Programme and was pleased to be associated."

Included in the latest package of works is Cateaton Street, where a community garden has been created with a small children's play area, allied to a wall mural and planting of trees and shrubs.

In Fox Street at Link House, open space has been cleared and the area has also been landscaped with a footpath provided. Planting has also taken place.

And pictured at the newly-revamped Fox Street are Bury's mayor and mayoress Councillor John Smith and Coun Mrs Stella Smith along with those involved in the project (from left): David Fowler, Single Regeneration Budget 5 co-ordinator, Bury Council; Coun Trevor Holt; Coun John Byrne, council leader; Ruth Pugsley; Michael Dunne of Bury Council; Coun Dot Cassidy and Lucy Barton, environment officer for the community, Groundwork Bury.

Elsewhere, a section of James Street has benefited from a project involving the replacement of downpipes and facade improvements. At United Breakers in Pimhole Road, a novel project has resulted in tyres being used as plant holders.

Groundwork Bury is funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Bury Council. Project funding is through the East Bury Initiative.

The community was consulted by Groundwork to ensure that the projects not only met NWDA criteria but that the needs of the local people were also met. The local authority's environment and development services secured more than £700,000 for a series of projects of which this community project was a part.