TOWNS across Hyndburn are in line for a massive regeneration boost thanks to an extra £2million in government cash.

Accrington will receive the lion's share of cash with a total of £650,000 in funding.

Oswaldtwistle netted £300,000, Clayton-le-Moors, Great Harwood and Rishton will receive £250,000 and Church, Baxenden and Huncoat scooped £100,000.

However opposition leader Miles Parkinson said the cash should be ploughed into deprived wards.

He said: “Our MP Graham Jones fought in Parliament to save Housing Market Renewal funding which had been promised to regeneration areas like Peel and Barnfield. He didn’t do that for Peter Britcliffe to use it as a way to keep Tory councillors in seats.

“Deprived areas like Woodnook have missed out on millions and morally, whatever is left, should be spent on those areas.”

But council leader Peter Britcliffe said residents will be given their say on where they cash should be spent.

He said: "It’s very evenly spread and because the funding is not ring fenced we can ask residents directly what they want to see happen.

"I would say to residents to get in touch with their local councillors and tell them how they want this money spent.

“There is no longer the same amount of money available, but there is still quite a lot of money. We have lobbied the Conservative Party and I have been to Downing Street regarding Hyndburn’s need, and the government has listened.”

Projects already earmarked include £25,000 going into Great Harwood town centre and Lowerfold Park and a scheme to regenerate the play area in Holt Street in Rishton.