THE long-awaited refurbishment of Little Hulton shopping precinct is set to go-ahead next year.

And traders say it is news they have been waiting for, following the shock closure of the TSB bank in October.

John Shaw, chairman of the traders' association, said TSB's decision had had a "devastating" affect on both traders and the local community.

With no local bank, residents, many pensioners and mums were forced to travel into Walkden to use facilities.

"While they are there they do their weekly shop, traders in our precinct suffer," he said.

To illustrate his point, Mr Shaw said that in the seven days in the lead up to Christmas he expected to be £3,000 down on takings last year at his greengrocery business.

"That makes things extremely difficult," he admitted.

But despite the obvious problems, Mr Shaw is convinced that the situation will improve.

He says that council officers are in negotiations with a number of banks to set up a service in Little Hulton, and there is a chance of a new trader opening up in the New Year.

Area co-ordinator Bruce Jassi, from Salford Council, said that following a public meeting last month, an on-going consultation had been taking place with members of the community and traders.

The consultation is due to close this week.

He said: "There are a range of options and we have told the traders what we can and cannot do."

Improvement plans include new shop fronts and canopies.

Cash to improve the precinct and surrounding area has been made available through revenue from the successful Capital Challenge Bid which is also bringing improvements to Farnworth.

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