Stilt walkers and knights and squires, accompanied by representatives of The Royal British Legion will be handing out free St. George's Day silk roses to everyone.

On St. George's Day itself, Wednesday 23rd April, the Civic Mayor of Tameside will once again perform the official ceremony from Ashton Town Hall steps at 12 noon, where stilt walkers dressed in St. George's Day costume will be distributing free St. George's Day silk roses to members of the public in the Civic Square.

To add to the celebrations, every public building in Tameside will fly the St. George's Day flag and St. George's day stickers will be given to every school child in the Borough. Costumed knights and squires, accompanied by representatives of The Royal British Legion will also be visiting every other town in Tameside handing out roses.

Work has commenced on the restoration of Ashton's historic Market Hall which was gutted by fire in May 2004. Contractors employed by Tameside MBC have started the enabling works to allow the main contract to follow on and the work is expected to be completed by late Spring 2008.

The image below shows an artist's impression of the finished building, which will encompass many of the ideas raised by members of the public and by market traders during the consultation process.

The completed Hall will feature a new basement area for the location of essential plant including water storage facilities for the sprinkler system and waste management arrangements and will also include the creation of a mezzanine level.

These developments will maximise the retail space at ground floor level enabling a traditional style market hall layout to be accommodated within the newly restored building, which will be created within the original perimeter walls, which have been saved.

CLICK HERE to view regularly updated web cam images of work in progress.

Faith adds: "Relay For Life isn't just a walk or a fundraising event, it's much more than that. It's an all-night festival and a time for personal remembrance.

"Whilst we're putting something back into cancer research and treatment, we're also helping to put something back into the community. Cancer is everyone's problem but in bringing everyone together, we can help turn hope into a cure."

To find out more about Relay For Life or to get involved telephone
077485 17600 or 07810 870 458 or log onto www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay

At 12.00noon, the Civic Mayor will address the crowds from the Town Hall steps, after which the entertainment will continue. Costumed knights and squires will also be visiting every other town in Tameside handing out roses, accompanied by representatives of The Royal British Legion.

To add to the celebrations, every public building in Tameside will fly the St. George's Day flag and St. George's day stickers will be given to every school child in the Borough.

Also this year staff and pupils from a number of Tameside schools have been working hard over the last few weeks to prepare an exhibition exploring the history of St. George.
The free exhibition will be available for the public to view on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st April inside Ashton Town Hall.

St. George's Day is gradually turning into one of the biggest annual celebrations in Tameside and one of the largest in the region. Councillor Jackie Lane, Project Head for Heritage & Tourism is urging all schools, businesses and residents to follow the Council's example and fly the St. George's Day flag.

Councillor Lane said, "There are national holidays in Scotland, Ireland and Wales and therefore I feel England should have the same. I would like everyone to join in with the celebrations in whichever way they can."

For further information telephone Tameside Council's Arts and Events Team on
0161 342 4144.

The 48,000 sq ft development is the first phase of a scheme to create a new urban business quarter in the Henry Square area of Ashton. Part of the building is now occupied by the Pennine Care NHS Trust.

The aim of the society's award is primarily to draw public attention to developments which are making a positive contribution to the town's built environment.

Susan Knight, Chairman of the Society, giving reasons for the award, said "The clean, sharp lines of this building contrast greatly with existing properties in the old Henry Square area and introduce an exciting and refreshing new style of architecture to Ashton. The building heralds a new beginning for the economic regeneration of this area and once landscaping is complete will provide an extremely attractive and pleasant working environment."

Councillor Jack Davis, Chair of Ashton Regeneration Project, was chosen by the society to present the award because of his long association with the project.

The developers are Ask Developments in partnership with Tameside Council, The North West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships.

John Hughes, Development Director at Ask Developments said: "We are delighted to receive this award and pleased that such an eminent body as the Civic Society recognises the building's high quality design. This is just the first phase of Ashton's new urban business quarter and is set to create a fantastic working environment as well as form a major part of this area's regeneration."

The award plaque was donated by Mockridge Labels, Ashton.

The Ladysmith Lion will be roaming around the Centre asking shoppers to enter a competition to find him a name and there will be a special Gregg's Easter Prize Pack for the lucky person who chooses the Lion's name. Entry forms are available from the shopping centre from 5th April!!

The Ladysmith will be celebrating their anniversary with many special events throughout 2007 that will include Pirates, Superheroes, a Swinging Sixties event and much more!

Cineworld Ashton have teamed up with Hyde Fundraisers to raise money for BBC Children In Need. On Saturday March 3rd they will be screening the last two episodes of DR WHO Series 2 starring David Tennant and Billie Piper - Army Of Ghosts & Doomsday. The season finale has the Doctor returning to Earth to face the sinister Torchwood organisation and waiting in the wings are two of his oldest adversaries - The Cybermen and The Daleks! This is a rare opportunity to see Dr Who on the big screen and those attending will have the opportunity to get photos with The Ood, K-9, and the dreaded Sycorax plus a chance to get the latest Dr Who toys & Merchandise.

Plans to ensure a smooth opening for IKEA's Ashton store today have been hailed a huge success.

The store was sensitive to local concerns about the impact on traffic in the town and consequently invested a significant amount of time, money and planning to ensure that roads remained free flowing despite increased volumes of cars.

By 11am the IKEA car park was at full capacity but, thanks to traffic flow management and keeping people moving, there were no jams.

The store has seen a steady flow of 2,000 customers per hour with most entering the store from the car park on the upper levels of the store, and trading has been brisk.

IKEA store manager Mike King said: "We're really pleased. The store filled up rapidly after opening and there's been a steady trade. Despite the majority of customers choosing to travel by car we are delighted we managed to keep road access clear."

Country manager for the world's largest furniture retailer, Peter Hogsted who was at the opening said: "This was a near perfect launch for us, we're on target to hit our estimated number of around 20,000 customers for day one."

It’s almost too good to be true. IKEA, the store which offers funky functionality at highly competitive prices, is giving customers the chance to shave even more off their homewear shopping bill.

The world leading Swedish furniture retailer, which has just opened its first £80m in-town store at Ashton-under-Lyne ( it’s 15th UK store), is launching the Family Card which has a whole host of super benefits.

Top of the list is 25 per cent off anything bought in the IKEA Family shop, a retailing haven with everything from kids’ jim-jams and wellies through to wall storage pods and designer-led knick-knacks. The discount also applies to various items throughout the store. Ashton was chosen by IKEA to launch the Family Card concept in the UK.

And there’s more…like FREE tea and coffee on weekdays in the main restaurant and discounts on selected meals and items in IKEA’s Swedish Food Market.

The new store will provide customers with some free design advice from IKEA’s experienced home furnishing advisors and keep creative ideas flowing for cardholders with a copy of the store’s home furnishing magazine IKEA FAMILY LIVE, published quarterly.

Once customers have picked up a card in-store, using it is simplicity itself. Each time a purchase is made, the card will be swiped at the check-out. Quarterly statements will be sent with money-off vouchers to be spent in the store.

The Family Card is about rewarding customers. It isn’t a store card or a credit card, it’s about exclusive access to great deals.

Pick up an IKEA Family card today and spend your way into saving a fortune.

Furniture superstore Ikea is set to open in the middle of October, with an anticipated opening date of October 19.

The Swedish giant is estimated to have created about 500 jobs in Tameside, and with more expected, its decision to come to Ashton is a major boost for inward investment and the local economy.

However, because of Ikea’s size and popularity it is inevitable that there will be a period of traffic congestion and disruption as crowds flock to the store from Greater Manchester and beyond.

Ikea, Tameside Council and the fire and police service are staging a series of meetings in the run-up to the store opening, and a detailed traffic management plan has been produced in an attempt to minimise disruption. The media and local businesses are in the process of being briefed on what to expect.

Cllr Kieran Quinn, Tameside Council’s executive member for economic services, said: “Getting Ikea to come to the borough was a major economic coup in terms of growth and job creation, but we have to be honest and admit that there could be a period of inconvenience for residents and businesses as the store beds in.

“To help manage congestion we will have police on motorcycles at key traffic pinch-points. If people try to jump a queue of cars and go in the outside lane then they will be likely to find a policeman telling them to turn back.

“The council has also got robust plans in place for this opening period and we expect Ikea to co-operate and work with us. If there are any serious problems, we do have the statutory powers to take enforcement action.”

However, Cllr Quinn is keen to stress the massive financial boost Ikea will have in Tameside. He said: "From an economic perspective, Ikea’s UK sales reached £1bn last year, with 14 stores in the UK up and running. Ashton is the 15th store and judging by the national figures, the sales potential is massive and if only a small percentage of that potential turnover is spent in the town centre this still represents a huge boost.

"Add to this the potential of £5m per annum in salaries that could be spent in the borough and you start to see what the economic spin-off could be."

Details of the traffic arrangements for the store opening are as follows:

• In order to ease pressure in the town centre and minimise congestion on adjoining roads in the area, access to and from Ikea will be from the west.

• Traffic will be directed in a westerly direction along Lord Sheldon Way. There will be significant signage and a strong police presence, to ensure that Ikea traffic is managed and contained in the locality of the store. If significant build up occurs on the motorway, then the Ashton junction can be temporarily closed.

• Drivers coming to Ikea will only be able to access the store by joining the end of the queue. Police motorcycle outriders and the Tameside Patrollers will be on hand to direct traffic and dissuade people from taking short cuts. Message boards suggesting potential wait times in the queue will also be placed at key locations in order to control the traffic flow.

• The police and council will prioritize traffic lights and road junctions in the town centre in order to keep the traffic moving on the major routes.

• Other service providers in the area such as buses and hospitals will also be briefed and informed of alternative routes where appropriate.

Tameside Council has given the final seal of approval to plans for the £40 million expansion of Ashton Arcades in Ashton-Under-Lyne, which includes stunning new retail facilities as well as a modern transport interchange. The council have now issued outline-planning consent for the scheme following the all clear from the government office of the North West.

It is hoped that work is to start on site in 2007 and when finished in 2009 it will herald a new future for the town. Ashton is set to benefit from a wide range of additional regeneration projects such as the plans for a new market hall and the opening of Ikea later this year. Further news this month that the Metrolink plans are back on track have also provided a major boost for the town.

"This is an exciting time for Ashton," says Tim Letts of Tushingham Moore. "The revived Metrolink bid and an increase in the scale and quality of the retail offer will significantly improve the profile of Ashton as a shopping destination. Together these plans will create accessible and desirable retail facilities for the town and will attract a previously untapped volume of shoppers who will come to Ashton rather than visit other centres. We are already in discussion with a number of high profile retailers who are keen to consider trading in the expanded centre"

Rob Cossey of Apollo Ashton says, "With the final rubber stamp from Tameside Council now in place we can start work on bringing these improved retail and transport

facilities to Ashton, paving the way for the creation of up to 500 new jobs. We believe the new facilities will strengthen a vibrant economic future for the town and will put

Ashton on the map as one of the most popular shopping destinations in the area".

Local planners gave the green light this week to a £40m expansion programme for the Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, paving the way for the creation of up to 500 new jobs in the town. The plans include the first major department store for Ashton and proposals for a new public transport interchange for the town. The centre's owners Apollo Ashton LP are talking to a number of major high street retailers which are interested in coming to the town. The target opening for the new centre is Autumn 2009.

Now that outline planning consent has been granted, detailed work will commence on the development, which more than doubles the retail space at the centre. It will also see the creation of a modern bus station to improve transport links for visitors arriving by bus and ultimately Metrolink. The scheme is the result of close working between Apollo Ashton LP the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) and Tameside MBC to make the centre more accessible to a greater number of visitors using public transport..

Rob Cossey, of Apollo Ashton LP, believes that the plans will be a real boost for Ashton. He said: "Together with the arrival of Ikea, the expansion of Ashton Arcades will enhance the economic vitality and future prosperity of the town by creating jobs and allowing it to compete with other neighbouring towns. By improving the retail facilities in the town, Tameside residents will be encouraged to shop locally rather than visiting other destinations and the Arcades will potentially be one of the UK's top 100 shopping venues*. The provision of a major anchor store will play a key role in Ashton's ability to attract and retain retailers in the long term by increasing the volume of shoppers throughout the town."

Councillor Kieran Quinn, (Executive Member - Economic Services) commented: "Tameside Council sees the Arcades extension and the proposed public transport interchange as critical parts of plans that will raise Ashton to a higher level in terms of retailing, as a location for business and as a place to visit and enjoy. It will complement St Petersfield, the proposed new Market Hall and the offer of IKEA. Not only will it bring employment opportunities but new retail investment and national retailers that are not currently present in Ashton. This is an exciting proposal which clearly shows that Ashton is moving in the right direction".

Councillor Alan Whitehead (Executive Member - Technical Services) added: "The development presents a major opportunity to provide a modern, well designed bus and Metrolink interchange for Ashton. This scheme will make a major contribution to public transport facilities and help to improve access to the town centre and its improving facilities".

GMPTE Projects Director, Paul Griffiths, continued: "This presents us with an exciting opportunity to provide Ashton with a modern bus station and, in due course, tram interchange, reflecting the very highest level of passenger facilities - similar to those recently opened at Shudehill in Manchester and in Middleton and Hyde town centres. We will continue to work closely with Tameside MBC and Apollo Ashton LP to develop the scheme in detail, during which we will consult widely with users and potential users."

Background:

The Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne opened its doors in October 1995 and currently offers 1,306 m² (140,000 ft²) of retail space over two floors. The centre accommodates over 40 well known retail stores under one roof including HMV, Next, Woolworth's, W H Smith, New Look, Superdrug, Bank, Footlocker, Original Shoe, Adams and H. Samuel.

Apollo Ashton LP, a joint venture between Hark Group and Apollo Real Estate, acquired the Arcades Shopping Centre in June 2005. Hark Group is a private development company with considerable experience of owning, running and expanding existing shopping centres. The company's owners and two principal operatives have between them over 40 years of experience working on shopping centres both in the UK, Europe and the USA.

*Research by independent consultants Javelin Group has revealed that Ashton town centre is currently ranked 171st in the Shopping Index, which ranks shopping venues in the UK based on presence and strength of multiple retail mix present.

For any further details please contact The Town Centre Management Initiative on: 0161 339 3040.

Shoppers at Ashton's Ladysmith Shopping Centre can meet the world famous Hollywood film star Shrek on Easter Saturday, 15th April 2006.

This much loved star will be making a very special appearance to greet shoppers and children and can have his photograph taken with them, so don't forget to bring your camera with you and make this an unforgettable Easter shopping trip!

Centre Manager, Lyn Williams said "We really want to offer our customers has the chance to meet him, Shrek will make 5 appearances between 10 am and 3.30 pm".

Tameside Hippodrome Theatre's own popular characters Henry Hippo & the 6' Singing Kettle will also be appearing at the Ladysmith during the Easter holiday giving customers the opportunity to win free tickets for their popular kids Old MacDonald's Farm show.

PRIZES GALORE!!
Ladysmith Shopping Centre retailers have pulled out all the stops this year to make this Easter the most exciting yet!! There are twenty superb main prizes to be won by customers with the Ladysmith Easter Scratch Card, which was launched on Monday 10th April.

Scratch cards are available from most stores whilst stocks last, with each card providing the chance to win a £10 Boots Shopping Voucher instantly. The Grand Prize Draw will be held at 1pm on Saturday, 22nd April 2006 when the lucky winners will find out exactly which of the wonderful prizes they have won. These include: a London West End Dinner & Theatre for four; driving a Ferrari round a circuit; a romantic hotel break for 2; a Flying lesson, designer Sunglasses; a Chinese head & foot massage and lots more unusual and exciting prizes.

Ashton-under-Lyne Market Plans are
"Key Milestone" for Council

AMBITIOUS plans for a new £21m Ashton Market Hall and a revamped outdoor market area have been submitted to Tameside Council. The proposals, from architects Taylor Young, complement the existing features of the original, Grade II listed building with innovative new designs.

The owners of the Arcades Shopping Centre have submitted ambitious plans to deliver a £40 million expansion programme at the Arcades in Ashton-under-Lyne. The plans will create up to 500 new jobs and deliver the town’s first major department store along with a modern transport interchange.

The exciting proposals from Apollo Ashton LP will more than double the retail space at the centre by adding a further 16,722 m² (180,000 ft²). In conjunction with the expansion plans, Apollo Ashton LP has worked closely with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) and Tameside MBC to incorporate a modern bus station to improve transport links for visitors arriving by bus and ultimately Metrolink.

The expansion will enhance the economic vitality of Ashton by allowing it to compete with other neighbouring towns. By improving the retail facilities in Ashton, Tameside residents will be encouraged to shop locally rather than visiting other shopping destinations.

The centre, which was recently boosted by the arrival of HMV and news that Footlocker is to open a 200 m² (2,151 ft²) unit in March, has received early interest in the development plans from major retailers. The expansion programme would potentially put the Arcades in the UK’s top 100 shopping venues.*

Councillor Kieran Quinn, (Executive Member – Economic Services) commented:
“The Arcades proposal is an exciting project that demonstrates the growing confidence in Ashton as a place in which to invest. It adds another valuable ingredient to the emergence of Ashton as the most important town centre in the east of Greater Manchester. It will bring jobs and investment and act as a catalyst for further regeneration of Ashton alongside the recent IKEA success and the rebuilding of Ashton Market Hall.”

Councillor Alan Whitehead (Executive Member – Technical Services) added:
“A key element in this important development will be the remodelling of the bus station into a 21st Century public transport interchange. This is a major opportunity to design a purpose built interchange that will accommodate buses and the proposed Metrolink station for Ashton Town Centre. We look forward to developing the scheme with Apollo and GMPTE.”

GMPTE Projects Director, Michael Renshaw, continued:
“These proposals present us with an exciting opportunity to provide Ashton with a modern bus station and, in due course, tram interchange, reflecting the very highest level of passenger facilities – similar to those recently opened at Shudehill in Manchester and in Middleton and Hyde town centres.
“Subject to the proposals being approved, we will continue to work closely with Tameside MBC and Apollo Ashton LP to develop the scheme in detail, during which we will consult widely with users and potential users.”

Rob Cossey, of Apollo Ashton LP, is confident that the plans will be a real boost for Ashton and concluded: “The proposed development will not only play a key role in the future prosperity of the town by creating jobs and new opportunities for local people, it will also provide improved choice for shoppers who may otherwise simply visit other towns in the area.

“We are currently in talks with a number of big name retailers who are attracted to the plans we have presented and I am encouraged by the positive response and support that we have so far received. The provision of a major anchor store will play a key role in Ashton’s ability to attract and retain retailers in the long term by increasing footfall throughout the town.”

The outline planning application is based upon extensive discussions with Tameside MBC and GMPTE and the extension is scheduled to open in 2009.

Background
The Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne opened its doors in October 1995 and currently offers 1,306 m² (140,000 ft²) of retail space over two floors. The centre accommodates over 40 well known retail stores under one roof including HMV, Next, Woolworth’s, W H Smith, New Look, Superdrug, Bank, Footlocker, Original Shoe, Adams and H. Samuel.

Apollo Ashton LP, a joint venture between Hark Group and Apollo Real Estate, acquired the Arcades Shopping Centre in June 2005. Hark Group is a private development company with considerable experience of owning, running and expanding existing shopping centres. The company's owners and two principal operatives have between them over 40 years of experience working on shopping centres both in the UK, Europe and the USA.

*Research by independent consultants Javelin Group has revealed that Ashton town centre is currently ranked 171st in the Shopping Index, which ranks shopping venues in the UK based on presence and strength of multiple retail mix present.

Leading sports fashion retailer Footlocker has signed a new lease on a 200 m² (2,151sqft) unit at the Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton under Lyne.

The deal follows the recent letting to HMV, which helped to attract over 260,000 shoppers per week over the Christmas period.

Footlocker's property director Richard Wicks said: "We are delighted to bring Footlocker to Ashton and the store will complement the centre's wide choice of retailers whilst offering further choice for shoppers. Ashton's sub-regional location, strong footfall figures and the arrival of HMV were important factors in our decision to locate in the town and we're looking forward to creating a strong presence in the centre when the store launches in March."

David Henderson Williams, of Hark Group added: "We welcome Footlocker to Ashton and the store will enhance the strong mix of retailers within the Arcades whilst providing customers with even more choice.

"Clearly the arrival of high street brand names such as Footlocker and HMV will improve the existing retail offer for customers and significantly increase footfall at the centre. Plans to increase floorspace and improve facilities at the centre are in line with our aims to attract major anchor stores to the centre and ultimately boost the retail offer in the town."

HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS FOR TAMESIDE AS IKEA COMES TO ASHTON

FIVE hundred jobs look set to be created in Tameside after planning permission was granted for a new superstore in Ashton town centre that will be built and occupied by IKEA.

This morning Tameside Council approved a planning application that will allow the construction of the store at the former United Utilities depot on the corner of Wellington Road and Oldham Road - a move sure to boost the already resurgent local economy.

IKEA's decision to choose Tameside as a base for its second store in the north west is proof that the council's efforts to bring in major investment continue to pay off. Building work should start soon, with the store expected to open in October.

Councillor Kieran Quinn, executive member for jobs and new investment, said: "The news that IKEA are coming to Ashton takes Tameside onto a new level economically.

"Attracting a company like IKEA might be seen as a mission impossible - but it's a mission we've accomplished.

"IKEA looked at Tameside and liked what they saw. Now everybody at Tameside Council is determined to ensure that other companies look at the borough and feel the same.

"It's an endorsement of all the hard work the council has done in the past to attract significant inward investment.

"Having IKEA here in Tameside shows other businesses that may be thinking about moving here that we can offer the support they need to succeed."

IKEA's plans are for a state-of-the-art, four-floor modern building that's both pleasing to the eye and accessible. Access to the new store should be simple for motorists with the M60 nearby.

Cllr Quinn added: "With the Ashton Moss development expanding close to the IKEA site, and the new business quarter at St Petersfield, it's clear to see that Tameside is booming."

Scott Cordrey, IKEA UK property manager, said: "We're happy to have obtained such a good site in Ashton and glad that the plans have been approved. It's fantastic news for IKEA and all our customers in Greater Manchester."

Councillor Warren Bray is chairman of the planning committee that granted planning permission for the development and a ward councillor for Ashton St Peters, where the IKEA store will be built.

He said: "I'm pleased that planning permission was granted. Having IKEA in the town will be a real boost and create many jobs for people living in the St Peters ward and throughout Tameside, as well as securing the site for the future."

And Pat McCloskey, managing director of United Utilities Property Solutions, added: "United Utilities employed over 100 people at Wellington Road before transferring them to other locations, so we were delighted to complete the sale with Ikea which will see the creation of many more new jobs - as well as drawing people into Ashton and boosting the Tameside economy."