MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS OUTLINE THEIR VISION FOR ECCLES IN A GLOSSY VIDEO AND WE TOTALLY AGREE

Salford City Council has produced the following video, declaring that 'It's time to show Eccles some love' following its acquisition of Eccles Shopping Centre as part of its redevelopment plans for the town centre.

Councillor John McMullen said that the town has gone through a number of changes over the years, speaking of the 'thriving' era of the 1970's when the centre was first built and it was at it's height of popularity but the glory days of the town centre have since declined and much work is needed to restore it back to the jewel in the crown of Salford which it previously was.

He goes on to talk about the amazing transport links that the town centre has and we totally agree as Eccles boasts not only direct access onto the Metrolink system, but also its own gateway to the rail network via the historically important local station, not forgetting its road links via bus and taxi links.

Eccles is a prime location for redevelopment if the project is managed correctly, and the Council listen to the voices of the local people, it could once more become not only a place to shop but also restore its former glory as a premiere destination for entertainment and nightlife.

Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, spoke about the hardships that Eccles has experienced, noting particularly the lack of job opportunities' and housing that does not meet the needs of the people. He goes on to describe the empty shops in the centre and the lack of investment that the area has seen over the years.

Paul declared that is it now time to show Eccles some much needed love and that during local consultations the council were asked to think big and bold and that is exactly what they are now doing.

Local Councillor McCusker spoke of the importance to recognise and celebrate the towns heritage as part of the redevelopment and its future as a vibrant place to meet, eat and play. A place fit for the future.

He said it is time to accept some hard truths, that the centre as it stands at present is not working for the town or the community. He says that the first step is to take control of the town centre and put it in the hands of residents, which the purchase of the shopping centre is the first step along the way.

People have been calling for this redevelopment for many years, ourselves included. With a little vision and a lot of love from both council and the people of Eccles, something beautiful could blossom.

Eccles could rise from the ashes like a proverbial phoenix and once more be the place to be.