A FORMER mayor of Radcliffe has launched a campaign to turn part of the town into a tourist attraction.

Mr Ronald Morris, 88, of Bury Road wants to celebrate Radcliffe's past as well as develop it for future generations to enjoy.

He says the Radcliffe Hall area of the town has great historical value.

"This is where Radcliffe started and I think, with the necessary work, it could become something of a tourist attraction."

Located in the area are the ruined Radcliffe Tower, the Parish Church, the Tithebarn, and the Roman Road.

The Tower is all that remains of the mediaeval home of the Radcliffe family and it is the borough's premier listed building.

The old tithebarn in Tithebarn Street is 400 years old and is also listed as a building of historic interest. In the Middle Ages it was used to store produce paid in tithes (or taxes).

It has had many uses since and its new owner, Mr Sean O'Donnell, plans to use it as a garage. The church goes back to Saxon times. Parts of the building date back more than four centuries.

The Roman Road was constructed in the year 79AD, going from Manchester through Radcliffe to Ribblesdale. It runs under the gardens of houses in Bury Road.

Besides promoting the town's past, Mr Morris - who served as mayor from 1971 to 1972 - wants to look forward to the future.

"There is potential for boats or canoes on the stretch of river from the bridge at Dumers Lane to the bridge in the town centre. Some work would be needed but I am sure it would be a worthwhile project."

He has sent his ideas to Bury Council and Bury tourism bosses and hopes to raise the issue at the first meeting of the new Radcliffe Area Board on July 1.

He said: "I want to awake them to what is lying in front of their noses. There's an archaeological dig at Bury's Drill Hall, but that is only recent history compared to what we've got in Radcliffe."

The chairman of Radcliffe Area Board, Councillor Barry Briggs, said: "Mr Morris's suggestions reflect our thinking about recognising the cultural history of Radcliffe, and we welcome his ideas and will certainly take them on board.

"This is exactly the sort of positive and constructive suggestion that the area board is looking for. We want more people to come forward with ideas which we can consider and evaluate."

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