BLACKBURN residents are being urged to help shape their town centre.

The call comes from Blackburn with Darwen Council which wants people to have their say on the latest phase of its efforts to regenerate and transform the town centre into a pedestrian friendly' zone.

Over the past few years millions of pounds have been poured into pedestrianising and transforming Church Church and Sudell Cross, as well as revamping roads into the Orbital Route.

And in the middle of January, work started to transform Lower Northgate, as well as part of Lord Street and the ramp onto The Mall's car park in a £2million makeover.

The next piece of the regeneration jigsaw is improved pedestrian space in Town Hall Square.

The council proposes a makeover with improved paving, street furniture and lighting. Funding will come from the North West Development Agency (NWDA).

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration said: "The intention is to create a pedestrian friendly and attractive environment that will support the development of the town centre for shopping and leisure and that will also be welcoming to visitors to the borough.

"The first two schemes, Cardwell Place and Sudell Cross, have been successfully completed. The third scheme, Lower Northgate, is under construction and we are confident the renaissance of Town Hall Square will enhance the work already done."

Public consultation on the outline plans runs from tomorrow to Friday, February 23.

Staffed public exhibitions will be held at Blackburn Town Hall tomorrow from noon to 2pm and in the Abram Room, Blackburn Central Library on Thursday from 12:30pm to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm.

Designs will also be on view at Blackburn Town Hall reception and online at www.blackburn.gov.uk throughout the consultation period.