BURY'S leisure services department is on the move as the cash-strapped council tries to save money.

Its Textile Hall headquarters in Manchester Road will close to the public on Monday in the first phase of a huge corporate shake-up. Staff who work in areas ranging from allotment to cemeteries, civic halls, countryside and entertainment, parks and sports centres and swimming pools are moving to Craig House (off Silver Street), current home of competitive services.

Meanwhile, people dealing with arts and sports development, tourism, and organisation of Bury art gallery and libraries, will move to Athenaeum House, the home of the education department.

Leisure services director Dr Graham Nicholson said: "From April 7, all the services to be housed at Craig House can be contacted on 253 5353.

"By April 9, the rest of the services should have moved and while they can be contacted on specific numbers, to avoid confusion calls can be made via 253 5000."

The move is part of a major cash-saving streamlining of the local authority, finalised plans of which are being presented to councillors on Monday night.

Acting chief executive Mr Dennis Taylor has proposed setting up four bumper departments: corporate resources, development and environmental services, competitive services, and a huge department called personal and community services, which includes social services, housing, education and some leisure functions.

Among other things, it means that housing and environmental services staff, currently working in Maple House and Murray Road, will leave. Bosses hope they can sell the buildings for £510,000.

Housing staff will move to a refurbished Bury town hall, while environmental services teams will be relocated at Textile Hall.

PEOPLE power could be on the way as part of the shake-up.

Four area advisory committees for different parts of the borough might be created.

Local community groups, businessmen and residents would join councillors in making local decisions, with money handed down from the council.

The North committee takes in the wards of Elton, Church, Ramsbottom and Tottington while the East committee comprises Moorside, East, Redvales and Unsworth.

Residents living in Pilkington Park and the three Radcliffe wards (North, Central and South) could join the West advisory team, while the South committee includes Holyrood, Besses, Sedgley and St Mary's.

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