RESIDENTS and businesses are being asked to come forward with ideas on how to rejuvenate "one of the most important streets in Hyndburn".

Many shops in Blackburn Road, dubbed the "Entrance to Accrington", have suffered as a result of the recent housing clearance under the Phoenix Project in West Accrington.

Now Hyndburn Council, along with colleagues at Lancashire County Council, are trying to lead a regeneration of the area.

And they are asking for people's views on how the area can prosper.

Nick Moule, Hyndburn's regeneration boss, said: "Everyone recognises that Blackburn Road needs help.

"Business confidence must be increased and private investment brought in to help transform this vital gateway into Accrington.

"Blackburn Road should be a place where shops and businesses thrive, where local people and visitors come to do their daily and specialist shopping or perhaps eat out."

Already the council has several plans in place, including setting up a local business forum, completing a retail study to explore how shops and businesses could be improved, tackling derelict premises and investigating development opportunities.

It is also hoped to lobby for a better bus service between Blackburn and Accrington.

Mr Moule added: "Changing shopping habits and competition from elsewhere has affected the area but with the refurbished and new housing being created by the Elevate programme Blackburn Road has a much better future.

"Along with Lancashire County Council, we want to work with the local community and businesses to plan this new future."

He said that his department will now be talking to local businesses and residents to discover views about what support and improvements Blackburn Road needs.