HYNDBURN is the latest council to throw its hat in the ring for a share of the government’s £675million Future High Streets Fund.

Council bosses say if successful, the cash would be used to help transform Accrington town centre.

A bid was submitted to government on Friday, March 22, including details of the council’s area action plan and corporate strategy for growth 2018–2023 as well as many letters of support.

Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said: "A share of the Future High Street Fund will allow us to build on our work to regenerate Accrington town centre and achieve our vision for it to become a place of bespoke shopping and services, vibrant events and activity set in an outstanding place of architecture, heritage and community.

He added: "The bid requires us to show our experience of working with partners, which we’ve already demonstrated many times, with the creation of the new town square which has already hosted many exciting events, with many more planned over the year.

"Investment from the Future High Streets Fund would boost further regeneration as Accrington, like town centres across the country, has seen the rise in internet shopping and out-of-town shopping parks divert footfall away from its traditional high street.”

If successful with the initial application, stage two of the process would see funding awarded to develop a plan for the town centre, detailing projects to take forward.

The council will then hold consultation events for residents, businesses and community groups to gather ideas and develop a fuller future vision for the town.

Council bosses in Blackburn have also applied for a share of the pot in the hopes of revitalising Darwen town centre.

Director of growth and development for Blackburn with Darwen, Martin Kelly, said they will concentrate their application for the Future High Streets Fund on Darwen, with a view to applying for between £5m and £8m.

The £675million Future High Streets Fund is provided by the government to fund local areas’ plans to make their high streets and town centres fit for the future.

It was unveiled by Northern Powerhouse Minister and MP for Rossendale and Darwen Jake Berry.

Final decisions about funding are due to be announced by government towards the end of the year.