BUSINESS is booming in Padiham according to shop owners who say that the town is bucking the national trend.

In recent months the town has seen an influx of companies move in, as well as improvements taking place to make the town centre more appealing.

Included in the improvements have been a revamp to The Cellar restaurant, while a number of buildings have also been renovated in Mill Street.

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Owners of the fine art shop Picture House have just announced they have signed a long term lease to stay in the town following a successful first 18 months.

Ongoing plans include opening up the canalside and making the entrance to the town centre more attractive to entice people in.

While the former Kings Arms in Mill Street, which shutdown almost two years ago, is being given a new lease of life as an Irish pub.

A £50,000 refurbishment began last week and new owner, John Duignan, is hoping the pub will be ready to re-open in around six weeks.

Charity Hayley’s Hugs, set up in memory of 17-year-old Hayley Barker, has also recently opened a shop in the town in order to raise funds to pay for treats for sick children and their families.

Councillor John Harbour, who represents Gawthorpe, says that Padiham is improving despite many towns still suffering the impact of the recession.

He said: “A lot of hard work has gone into making Padiham town centre a better place to come and visit.

“The town centre manager Tony Fitzgerald contributed greatly to the improvements we are seeing today.

“Padiham town council has also been working very hard to boost the economy in the town. They set up a beer festival and have worked with Burnley Borough council to create a successful farmers market.

“We still have a long way to go and traders are still having to work in very difficult conditions with the economy still suffering from the recession.”

“We could do with extra funding from central government to help improve the infrastructure in the town.

“A lot of work has been done to clear the canalside and to help make the area more attractive, including businesses putting hanging baskets up outside their shops during the summer months.”

Heather Shenton proprietor of the Picture House said: “The gallery has been so we’ll received that I am about to sign a long term lease.”