LORD Street in Fleetwood is the latest area to be targeted and revamped by the multi-million pound regeneration project which is sweeping through the town.

The latest scheme - "It's the Business" - was launched this week, offering to pay up to half the costs of external improvements to buildings on the town centre street.

A specially-commissioned artist will add a nautical touch to street furniture, with designs aimed at bringing Fleetwood's famous sea-faring history into the modern street scene.

All businesses on the street received leaflets describing how the scheme will work to improve the centre's attractiveness to both locals and visitors.

As Julie Warburton, Fleetwood's regeneration manager, explained: "It will help improve the town centre's image, make Lord Street more attractive to visitors and hopefully improve trade and business confidence.

"There has already been a lot of interest and about 15 businesses have applied for the funding."

Finance for the five-year £3.1 million scheme is to come from the single regeneration budget, with an upper limit of around £8,000 per building.

Measures to improve road safety on the street have already begun, with similar plans for Blakiston Street to start in September.

Further proposals to revive Lord Street include reducing traffic speed, allowing greater access for disabled people and improving pedestrian safety.

There are also plans to make the area more attractive with the provision of matching street furniture based around a nautical theme, including seats, bollards, cycle stands, litter bins and tree grilles.

Artist Peter Parkinson has been called in to produce a set of designs incorporating sea life imagery with Fleetwood's maritime history.

Julie Warburton added: "I am delighted with progress to date.

"This is a huge project which will ultimately revitalise the heart of Fleetwood."

The overall cost of the phase two proposals is estimated to use up more than £450,000 of the regeneration budget and work is to get under way in January 1999.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.