A TOWN could be joining the caf society as part of plans to regenerate the centre.

Ambitious proposals to bring street-style cafes to the front of Accrington's market hall, which is also to be refurbished, have been unveiled at a meeting of the town centre regeneration board.

And town centre bosses are keen to target trendy coffee bar retailers to attract shoppers.

The aim was part of plans to attract more visitors to the town and keep them longer, said Accrington's regeneration chief Nigel Rix.

Members of the board welcomed the ideas after hearing that Accrington's sales figures per square metre were higher than either Blackpool or Blackburn.

Funding could be made available from £205,000 from the North West Development Agency. The money would have gone to the developers if letting of shop units had not passed a set threshold.

Mr Rix, director of Hyndburn First, said the money was available and some of it could be spent on the market hall and its frontage.

He said: "There will be a substantial amount of that money left. Historically, there were raised beds in front of the market hall.

"Specialist design consultants would probably be brought in to design the area with an eye on retaining and highlighting the heritage of the town.

"There needs to be a focus encouraging shoppers to stay longer in the town. This also links in with the Great Days Out in Accrington scheme. We are aiming to bring in coach-loads from Oswaldtwistle Mills. If people have travelled from further afield, they need those opportunities for eating as well. It's clear there's interest."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "We have to try to reach out to some of the bigger players like Starbucks and Costa Coffee to help raise the status of the town centre.

"The Conservatives are very anxious to see the market hall restored. There are some wonderful features in there and I almost feel sad when I go in because it looks drab.

"It's important we seek some initiative and flair. It could be our jewel, a major feature of Accrington and one I'm sure the civic society would very much like to see. The building has potential that has never been fully realised."