PEOPLE power will be put on hold with plans to introduce areas committees throughout the borough facing delay.

But other aspects embraced within Bury Council's bold Democracy Plan will go ahead.

However, the setting up of area committees, a key element of this framework, will be put on ice because of budget restrictions.

The authority is looking at the prospect of establishing six committees whose role will be prodominantly advisory. But they will have some powers for the preparation and delivery of local action plans with the assistance of small, devolved budgets.

Bury Council's Democracy Plan 1998-99 is geared towards improving local democratic processes in the borough.

Its main aim is to draw people from a wide range of backgrounds into the decision-making process in relation to the areas in which they live.

Another prime factor involves improving communication between councillors, officers and the public and to boost the response of council services while creating a structure where the local community can influence events.

The recommendation to delay the introduction of area committees was taken at Wednesday's meeting of the council's policy and resources committee. Councillor Derek Boden, chairman and council leader, said: "We ought to look at the development of democracy in the borough."

However, he felt it was not the right time to go ahead with the area committees.

"The feedback suggests the view we need a clear remit and significant delegated powers."

He pointed out that the authority faced yet more budget cuts and recommended the setting up of these committees be delayed. Coun Boden said: "We should allow the Democracy Plan to develop and revisit this specific issue later."

The committee endorsed the recommendation which goes before the full council for ratification.

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