Bury Times, February 22, 2007

ROAD closures will affect residents in Bury next week as work continues on the redevelopment of The Rock.

From 7.30am on Monday, contractors working for Thornfield Properties will be shutting Butcher Lane while demolition and archaeological works are carried out.

Butcher Lane runs from The Rock, behind the former Halfords, through to Rochdale Road. Diversions will be in place, and Chapel Street will become a two-way street to allow access to the car park.

Councillor John Byrne, executive member for transport and environment, said: "Unfortunately Thornfield need to carry out this work which is essential to the new development.

"We hope that by giving enough notice we can avoid traffic congestion."

Jason Marcus, chief executive for Thornfield Properties, said: "The improvement works are a vital step in creating an enchanced town centre for Bury.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the works, but they are a necessary part of creating The Rock."

The development, which is due for completion in 2009 and is now set to cost a total of £250 million, is scheduled to include a new ten-screen Vue Cinema, Gala bingo hall, bowling alley, eight new cafes and restaurants, 200 residential apartments and 1,000 car parking spaces.

A flagship Debenhams store will head the list of new stores coming into the town centre.