COUNCIL bosses will begin talks with traders about what they want to see in a new events square being built as part of a £2million development.

Work is on schedule to complete the new public square in Accrington town centre, which should be finished by July next year.

The president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade said £50,000 will be made available by the council to help put on events on in the town.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of the council, said the first stage of work was almost complete around the town and finishing touches will be completed early in the New Year.

Part of the work on the town centre will create an events square and the council leader said talks would begin in 2018 to give people their say on what they want to see.

Cllr Parkinson said: “In the New Year we’ll be going to tender for an events co-ordinator.

“We will be talking with traders and the chamber of trade to make sure we will be putting on events that everyone wants.

“It will help to increase footfall and the local businesses will benefit from this.”

Work will start in February on the ‘second stage’ which will take place around the Blackburn Road area.

The scheme will see the front of the Market Hall and Town Hall transformed to commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of the Accrington Pals.

It will also include the restoration of historic, retail and commercial buildings in the town centre.

Cllr Parkinson said he is looking forward to seeing the completed work and how it will benefit the area and honour its history.

He said: “It’s all down to the history of the Accrington Pals.

“It’s coming nearer to the 100-year anniversary of the Armistice next year and this is in keeping with that.

“The town centre investment is in keeping with other areas across Lancashire and makes sure Hyndburn isn’t left behind.”

Staff from the Chamber of Trade said they were looking forward to seeing the finished product and the benefits it will bring.

President Shahed Mahmood said: “I walked past it recently and I was pleased to see it was coming along well.

“It is already coming along nicely and looking a lot cleaner.

“It will be a reminder of Accrington’s great history.

“We’re looking forward to it holding events and it should help to bring more people into the area.

“We’ve then got to keep them in the town, which I think we’ve got the shops to do, and hopefully the footfall will encourage investment.

“The council has already said there will be £50,000 for events and we’re looking to apply for more from other organisations.

“This should then have the knock-on effect for businesses in the area.”