RADCLIFFE is set to become a regional home to the arts under a radical shake-up of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

It means that the town's long-awaited Market Museum scheme is one step closer to reality.

The sculpture trail partnership, comprising the councils of Bury, Rossendale, Salford and Lancashire, is handing over control of the trail to a new regional public arts trust.

The Arts Council of England believes this will lead to better marketing and management, and be able to attract more money from commercial and government sources.

Radcliffe will be one of just four priority areas for the trust, with the planned museum in the forefront to receive any benefit. The change could lead to the borough receiving £420,000 in funding.

Councillors in Bury have welcomed the move, and hope to see more money for projects which will enhance the economic, tourism and learning benefits of the existing trail. So far, 22 sculptures have been built on the trail, 13 of those in Bury.

The Radcliffe Market Museum is a £6 million development drawn up by internationally renowned architect, John Pawson.

The designs should be unveiled within weeks, and will show a revamped market hall, restaurant and a museum in the cellar.