CAMPAIGNERS battling to turn around the fortunes of Blackburn’s stuttering night-time economy have reached a significant milestone after being summoned to a town hall debate.

Council chiefs have acknowledged that there has been a ‘lack of investment’ in the town centre’s offering after-dark over the past 20 years, in direct contrast to thriving Darwen.

And while Cllr Phil Riley is adamant that retail within central Blackburn, with an improved mall and market, has seen an upturn since 2011, there is an admission that there is an ‘imbalance’ when it comes to leisure and food and drink.

Former bouncer and member of Improve Blackburn’s Nightlife, James Newton, launched a petition urging the council to revitalise the town’s nightlife, which has led to the meeting.

Claudio Bellusci, of Improve Blackburn’s Nightlife, believes it was the impact of their petition, which highlighted the loss of the likes of clubs like Utopia, Jazzy Kecks, Liquid and Envy, Bentleys and Never Never Land, which has seen their group consulted.

He added: “This has been achieved by the amount of people that have signed our petition. Things are are currently changing for the better so we would ask people to keep supporting our local nightlife.”

Mr Bellusci is now formulating a series of questions for councillors on how the two sides can work together to recover ground from the likes of Darwen, Bolton and Preston.

In an executive report, drafted in response to the petition, Cllr Riley said that a number of measures have already been taken, or have been suggested, to support the campaigners’ objectives.

Plans are in place, as part of the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Initiative, to redevelop the terrace opposite King George’s Hall, to establish a fledgling cultural quarter.

Work is ongoing to attract a possible leisure use for the old Waves site and discussions continue about the acquisition of the former Baroque bar, at the top of Northgate, to prevent the loss of an evening venue.

Under the Blackburn Is Open initiative the launch of Bureau, at the old Holy Trinity Church, has been promoted and support through rates relief and small grants is being discussed with the likes of Cafe Northcote, the Sir Charles Napier Community Interest Company and the micro bar Q-Ale.

Cllr Riley said: “A diverse and broad food and drink and leisure offer, that appeals across all demographics and cultures, is vital to the vitality and vibrancy of a town or city centre.”