A PIONEERING scheme will give Bury people a major say in how the town's public parks are run.

Manchester Road Park in Bury is the testing ground for a complete review of municipal parks provision in the borough.

The pilot project is part of a new "Best Value" scheme, a government policy for modernising local government and the way authorities award contracts.

It involves wide consultation with the community and tries to ensure that an economic and efficient service is delivered.

Locals will be invited to join a project group along with councillors, officers and advisors.

Councillor Tony Isherwood, competitive services chairman, said it was fitting that the "Best Value" launch should come during Local Democracy Week.

He said: "Our parks are well used and well thought of. We want to make sure that any changes which take place are those that are wanted by local people and whose who use them regularly."

A similar review is being carried out on Bury Cemetery using the "Best Value" criteria.

Confidential questionnaire forms are available from public libraries and in Bury, from Craig House in Bank Street, the Tourist Information Centre, or by ringing 253 5353.

Visitors can also discuss their views at Bury Cemetery office, which is open from 9am to noon and 1-4pm from Monday to Friday, or at the Old Pavilion in Manchester Road Park which will be open from 10am to noon and 12-4pm on June 1, 3 and 5.

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