A RURAL part of Pendle has received a welcome boost after £70,000 worth of funding was agreed to aid a range schemes.

Among the schemes supported by Pendle Council’s West Craven Area Committee was £15,000 for surfacing urban ginnels and a further £9,000 towards creating new allotments in Barnoldswick and Earby, improving Sough Park and Salterforth Village Hall.

Ambitious plans to make Barnoldswick a ‘wi-fi’ town also took a step forward with a £10,000 contribution towards the scheme.

Coun David Whipp said the investment plans would be a vital boost to the towns and villages in the area.

He added: “This is major investment in services and facilities, long may it continue.”

“The wi-fi and portal project will be a shot in the arm for businesses, helping to keep jobs with internet advertising and promotion.

“Investment in parks and footpaths will improve the quality of life for residents and support for community facilities in Salterforth will help the village to have a really good village hall.”

The spending plans also include contributions towards renovating festive decorations in Barnoldswick and Earby, providing more dog waste and litter bins, funding festivals and events and making a contribution to Pendle Fishing Buddies.

It is part of Pendle Council’s capital investment programme.