A NEW panel is set to be created to run the rule over town centre shopfront improvement grants in Colne.

Last year £13,365 was handed out to overhaul premises nine locations including China Garden, Delicious in Richmond Court, and Grahame’s Poultry, when it relocated along Market Street.

This in turn attracted more than £20,000 of private investment but councilors were concerned they had no direct say in priority projects for the town.

Two councillors will now sit on a newly-constituted panel, also involving town hall officials and traders, to determine future grants.

Another £11,500 was approved by the town’s area committee, to fund the 2012-13 programme, as there was around £4,000 left over from last year’s budget.