FLATS, cycle lanes and a general clean-up could make The Rock in Bury a less hard place to shop.

The time is right to stimulate investment in one of the town centre's main streets, say development bosses at Bury Town Hall.

Officers say that improvements to the thoroughfare will tie in with new government advice on investing in the high street.

Mr Ian Cheetham, director of development and environmental services, said: "As there is further expansion and enhancement in Mill Gate and elsewhere in the town centre, it is increasingly critical that the situation on The Rock is tackled.

"The Rock has been giving increasing concern regarding the resources being put into its management and maintenance to little effect."

Concerns include the number of A-boards and displays which obstruct the road, and cars driving over the pedestrianised area.

The Rock is also part of the borough's designated cycle network, but no provision has yet been made for cyclists.

The problem is made worse in the Tithebarn Street area, with poor links between the town centre and the new Woodfields development.

Members of the Bury East area board are being asked to set up a working party with the Chamber of Trade and other parties to come up with proposals for environmental improvement.

The plans might include creating better pedestrian routes, taxi ranks and cycle lanes.

Creating flats above the shops, perhaps in Hornby Buildings, could help bring life into The Rock outside shopping hours, help maintain buildings and possibly encourage more cafes and restaurants to open.

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