BUSINESSES and councillors have welcomed improvements to the centre of a village which they believe will boost its tourist appeal.

Whalley has benefited from the construction of a flowerbed at the junction of King Street and Accrington Road next to the Swan Hotel.

The man behind the development is Peter Street, owner of the Cardboard Box Company in Clayton Business Park, Clayton-le-Moors.

And while the publicity shy entrepreneur, who also owns property in Whalley, was not willing to comment, many in the village see it as a positive addition.

The stone walled flowerbed includes a sign referencing the village's 13th Century heritage and seating has been erected next to it.

Many in Whalley see the construction as a boost to the village's image, especially as it replaces a dilapidated stretch of footpath.

Louise Clough, licensee of The Swan Hotel in King Street, believes it has restored some of Whalley's historic character.

She said: "It's fantastic. Our building is over 200 years old and the flowerbed complements this because it makes the village seem more olde worlde - something everyone likes about Whalley.

"It's really in keeping with the feel of the village.

"Before this the pavement was a little bit derelict and people were parking cars there which made it dangerous for pedestrians and other road users.

"This makes such a difference, especially as it's the first thing that people travelling from Accrington and Blackburn see when they enter the village."

Ribble Valley councillor and Whalley resident, Joyce Holgate, claimed the development was also a plus point for road safety.

She said: "That corner was dangerous and people were backing cars off the corner and into the road. The alterations will stop that happening and it will be a nice place for people to sit.

"It's a nice thing for Whalley and good for tourism in the village and surrounding area."