THE power of the area board has been praised by Prestwich councillors.

Often accused of being just a "talking shop", the area board recently secured a victory for the people of Prestwich after taking direct action.

As reported in the Guide, Bury Council refused to grant a temporary closure along Fairfax Road to building contractors, Carillion.

The company, responsible for building the Radius apartments complex on the former Sainsbury's site, applied to the local authority to make Fairfax Road one way for a period of up to 18 months so they could accept deliveries of materials.

But the request, revealed by the Guide, caused uproar among residents and traders and the area board backed their concerns.

The members conveyed their feelings to executive member Coun Mike Connolly and a decision was taken in July, with borough engineer Mike Cannon under delegated powers, to refuse the application.

Speaking at last week's Prestwich area board, chairman Coun Vic D'Albert, said: "I am pleased to say that Bury Council backed the area board's view and I would like to thank everyone who made their views heard so clearly. It goes to show that if you shout loudly enough you can be heard here and at the town hall. This is a victory for Prestwich. Well done everybody."