Exciting plans that will shine a spotlight on Trafford’s vast cultural assets have been backed by the borough’s Labour executive members.

The aim of the council’s new Cultural Strategy is to enrich the lives of those who live, work and visit the area.

Trafford is already recognised as home to major sporting venues like Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club.

In addition to historical sites such as the Imperial War Museum North, National Trust land at Dunham Massey and a host of local cultural groups.

However, it has been recognised that the borough’s resources and traditions need to be showcased in a bid to unlock and boost financial investment.

Lead member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Cllr Catherine Hynes, said the development of the strategy would support the council on its journey to highlight the borough’s cultural attractions.

Speaking during the meeting of Executive on Monday, Deputy Leader, Cllr Hynes said: “Trafford is a creative talent belt and home to 25pc of professionals working in this sector – and that is far greater than anywhere else in Greater Manchester.

“And currently this isn’t being recognised and nurtured sufficiently.

“Trafford is valued more as an audience than say neighbouring Manchester’s culture and creative sector instead of being look on as its workforce and lifeblood.

“Trafford is also underrepresented in terms of external funding for its culture and arts scene with no locally based organisation being financially supported by either the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Culture Fund, or by the Art Council’s national programme.

“This strategy will build on work already undertaken by the GMCA and will ensure that Trafford is fairly represented within the culture sector right across the region.

“Having the strategy in place will undoubtedly attract significant benefits and positive outcomes that will create a greater sense of place and pride for everyone who lives, work and visits the borough.”

Members of the Executive agreed to approve the Culture Strategy which will make the best use if the borough’s uniqueness and help develop and underpin a future long-term vision for one of its greatest assets.

Further information can be access here.