A WORKERS' march with international significance passes through Bury on Sunday (May 18).

It is the North West leg of a European protest over the Single Currency: protesters say governments are attacking jobs and welfare in rushing to meet convergence criteria.

A mass protest is planned for June 14 when the Inter-Governmental Conference meets in Amsterdam.

The North West walkers will be welcomed by members of Bury, Radcliffe and District Trades Union Council when they arrive in Ramsbottom at 2.30pm on Sunday at the town's working men's club.

Organisers are still working on the route through Bury: either down Brandlesholme Road, or down Walmersley Road.

Campaigners were hoping for a civic reception at Bury Town Hall prior to an evening rally and social at the Waterloo Hotel in Manchester Road.

The new MP for Bury North, David Chaytor, is among the confirmed speakers to speakers confirmed to address the rally.

Brian Marden, TUC secretary, said this was the fourth march to pass through or start in Bury in as many years.

"This march is unique because it is international in character, with some 23 marches from 13 countries including Algeria, Bosnia and Finland.

"When the march reaches its climax in Amsterdam, it is expected that up to 250,000 people from all over Europe will converge for a mass rally."

He appealed to local people and trade unions to support the marchers, either by taking part or by giving donations.

The local TUC are also organising coaches to take marchers to Amsterdam.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.