THE information superhighway opens its brand new "junction" in Radcliffe Library next week.

The Radcliffe Link IT Centre, the first of its kind in the borough, will officially open its doors to the public on Monday (Nov 19) offering instant access to a host of computers and the worldwide web.

With free IT short courses and a chance to get to know IT basics, there will also be the opportunity for flexible attendance schedules and on-line learning packages. At the same time though there will be the chance to just find out how to make the most of computers, for education, business or just fun.

The initiative is being run by Bury Lifelong Learning Partnership, with Bury Council and Bury College playing a leading role. Councillor Steve Perkins, the council's executive member for lifelong learning, said: "Individuals will be welcome along with groups and businesses. We are also particularly keen to attract elderly people, those from ethnic minorities together with women returners and other disadvantaged groups."

He added: "At the library itself we have been boosting the stock of computer books, magazines and careers material to ensure that people can get the most out of the courses which will be run by the Link IT Centre.

"This is an ideal chance for local people to not only find out more about IT but really make it work for them. I am sure there will be no shortage of users."

The Centre, which is situated in the refurbished upper floor of the Library, is fully accessible for disabled people and will, at least initially, open during the same hours as the library. Its enhanced facilities include 30 PCs with Internet connections. They can be used to access ICT and Basic Skills courses. The Centre also has video conferencing facilities.

It can also hire a meeting room out to local groups, businesses and societies.

Mrs Mary Grant, Bury College's director for information learning technology, said: "It is very exciting that Radcliffe was chosen. Its establishment has been a wonderful team achievement by the members of the Bury Lifelong Learning Partnership."