POWER to the people is on its way with a new version of parish councils.

Councillors want to turn back the clock and create area committees to bring decision-making closer to residents.

It means that the six townships of Bury, including Prestwich, Radcliffe and Ramsbottom, will have a new form of street-level democracy.

While the idea is still in its early stages, members hope that the committees can be up and running by the spring.

There are some matters which only Bury Council can decide, for instance setting the rate of council tax.

But members have leeway to grant committees a wide range of powers, as well as choosing who should serve on them and what the political balance will be.

One question is whether to have four area committees or six. The latter option would mean Prestwich and Radcliffe each having their own panel, with one for Ramsbottom and Tottington, Whitefield and Unsworth, and committees for East and West Bury.

The idea has been welcomed in principle and will be discussed at Monday's policy and resources committee. A huge public consultation exercise will follow to gauge opinion.

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