WORK on 51 of Bacup’s most iconic buildings is set to begin in September, it has been announced.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale, said he has held a productive meeting with people involved with the £2million regeneration of the town centre, adding that work will begin in five months.

The Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, the Pioneer Buildings, the REAL Building, and St James’ Square roundabout are at the top of the council’s list for improvements.

Shops numbered 3 - 33 in St James’ Square are also considered as priorities for works to be financed following a successful bid for Heritage Lottery Fund cash.

The council is also looking at pedestrianising the square.

In order for the frontages to be improved, the council needs the owners of the buildings to agree to put up 10per cent of the money of each individual project, with the grant paying for the rest.

The council is planning to carry out the works in blocks of four or five, to avoid excessive disruption.

Internal works can be carried out on empty buildings, but the project will mainly focus on frontages.