THE chairman of a multi-million pound "Marketing Manchester" campaign has pledged that Bolton and other regional towns will not be overlooked.

Sir David Trippier, the Bury Grammar School old boy who lost his Conservative Rossendale and Darwen parliamentary seat in 1992, is heading a concerted campaign to establish Manchester's place as a major international city and regional capital.

The successful businessman chairs a new Agency which is a partnership set-up by Manchester Airport, Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Greater Manchester Visitor and Convention Bureau.

But the Labour leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Bob Howarth, takes the sceptical view that in spite of the promise to promote the region only crumbs will come the way of Bolton and similar towns, leaving Manchester itself as the main beneficiary.

He said: "We have seen these things before - they start as Greater Manchester and before you know it the 'Greater' is dropped."

But Sir David, who lives outside Greater Manchester in Rossendale, declared: "I am determined that it certainly will not be just the City of Manchester - and so is Cllr Graham Stringer, the Manchester council leader."

He promised: "I will ensure that Bolton's interests are properly represented."

The new body has a first year budget of £2.5 million including £1 million from Manchester Airport, part of a £3 million investment over three years.

The Agency's brief is to work in partnership to market Manchester and the region, which has a poor image abroad.

This will involve maximising the impact of new venues such as the Bridgewater Hall, the Nynex Arena and the Lowry Centre plus events such as Euro 96 and the Commonwealth Games.

Job creation is a priority through developing inbound tourism, enhancing arts and culture, attracting investment, staging world class events and significantly raising Manchester's profile.

Sir David, who is also Chairman of Vector Investments, the developer and owner of the Nynex Arena, says: "I have a passionate belief in Manchester and the North of England."

The Agency will have a Chief Executive, a board of about 14 and a core staff of around 30, including those from the GMVCB, which will be integrated into the new body.

It has offices in Manchester and there will be a presence at the Airport for presentations, trade delegations, VIPs and exhibitions.

Sir David said there were still places to be filled on the board and invited any Bolton industrialist able to make a significant contribution - including a financial one - to get in touch with him at Marketing Manchester, Churchgate House, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EU.

Cllr Howarth said he would be watching the initiative very carefully to try to ensure that at least some of the benefits come Bolton's way.

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