That was the positive-sounding title of a petition launched in Ashton-in-Makerfield by the Makerfield MP, which he hopes eventually will revive the town centre's struggling fortunes.

The petition calls on residents to support a new vision for the once bustling shopping area. Ian McCartney, who lives in Stubshaw Cross, has already obtained support for his vision of a rejuvenated town centre from various groups.

These include the Metro; Ashton, Wigan and Leigh Primary Care Trust;
Greater Manchester Ambulance Service; Greater Manchester Fire Service; Greater Manchester Police; and Wigan and Leigh College. He wants to engage them in a comprehensive investment and regeneration strategy to provide modern public services in 21st century state-of-the-art facilities.

The campaign has just received a major boost when Mr McCartney secured a commitment from Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West
Development Agency, to pledge up to £50,000 to fund a comprehensive feasibility study to identify options for the future development of the town centre hub.

He hopes this sum can be used to secure millions of pounds of investment.
Mr McCartney said: "We've got the ideas, vision, and support of local residents."