COUNCILLORS and residents have clashed over plans to demolish Radcliffe Civic Suite — as the first concept designs for a new £10 million leisure and entertainment venue were revealed.

The plans were displayed at the latest meeting of Radcliffe Township Forum, held at the civic hall, where Cllr Rishi Shori presented Bury Council’s case for knocking down the building.

In a heated debate, some residents vented their anger at losing the venue, while others showed their support to the proposals, which will see 40 affordable homes build on the Thomas Street site when the Civic Suite shuts in April.

The new centre, which the council hopes to start building in Green Street by the end of 2016, will also act as a replacement for the temporary Radcliffe Leisure Centre in Spring Lane.

Cllr Shori said: “We need new things to enrich this town. We want to reduce the number of people on benefits, and get people fitter and healthier. That means we will have to take some big and difficult decisions.

“It’s important when we look at this issue to look at what it is trying to drive it.

"If we are going to take steps to improve people’s health in Radcliffe then we need to break the cycle of unhealthy lifestyles.

“We need to look at where the council finds itself too. We have lost about 60 per cent of our government grants and by 2020 we are told there will be none at all.

“This isn’t just about losing the civic hall, it’s is about ensuring we have a building that is fit for the next 50 years. We are talking about a £10 million new facility which will include a leisure centre, a pool, and civic facilities.”

Andrew Clarkson, chairman of Radcliffe Carnival, is leading the opposition to the plans.

He said: “This is a piece of Radcliffe’s heritage and the best civic hall in the borough. What we, the people of Radcliffe say, doesn’t seem to have any impact.

“For many years, Bury Council has neglected what has been presented to them. I’m all for progress and this new facility looks very nice. However, five years ago we had all of these facilities that we are now going to lose and be without them for a number of years.”