ACCRINGTON town centre is on the brink of benefiting from widespread investment, it has been revealed.

Arndale Centre bosses are in talks with the council over the refurbishment of Broadway in a move believed to be costing up to £60,000.

The news comes as Hyndburn Council is to start spending £250,000 revamping the main shopping street.

If talks are successful, bosses of the Arndale Centre would pay for work to improve the area approaching the main entrance of the precinct.

Today, the leader of the council, Peter Britcliffe, revealed 17 organisations had applied to take on the running of the market hall, with a shortlist of six expected to be drawn up by Easter.

Coun Britcliffe said: "It's very encouraging. There are a number of firms wanting to become partners. I think it's a fantastic response and very encouraging that there are so many people interested in investing.

"It follows on the heels of the Broadway development and also the stretch going up to the Arndale, where the centre could invest a further £60,000."

Campaigners have urged the council for years to spend money on the town centre. The Broadway revamp will mean more street furniture and plants, and an investment partner in the market hall will allow improvement works, with plans to open balcony areas to the public.

Nobody at the Arndale Centre was available for comment but town centre manager Bill Huntley confirmed talks were ongoing.

"It is being built into planning for the scheme as we would like to include the whole area running up to the front entrance," he said.

"It would make it a much more attractive proposal. Offers are on the table."

Phil Bond, president of the Chamber of Trade, said: "Broadway has needed something doing to it for years. Having seen the plans, it will really move us forward and will certainly entice people in to invest."