Campaigners are celebrating after being awarded more than £1.4million to transform Padiham

The cash boost will help preserve the town's past for future generations, campaigners said, after it was awarded the money by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

As reported they had put in the bid, for Padiham Townscape Heritage scheme, Crafting the Future, earlier this year.

Now they are delighted the money will be used to help protect the town centre’s historic buildings, create an area of special architectural and historic interest, while making the town more attractive for residents, workers and visitors.

As part of the project new street furniture and signage, will be a nod to the town's past, as designs will be based on the Textiles Collection at Gawthorpe Hall.

Cllr Sue Graham, Burnley Council's executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “Padiham has a wonderful heritage centre that needs preserving for future generations.

"At the same time this successful bid will help breathe new life into the centre.

“This is great news and the result of close partnership working between the council, local residents and businesses, and other groups to improve their town."

Burnley Council worked with businesses, Padiham Town Council and Lancashire County Council, the Gawthorpe Textile Collection, Fixhub, and Padiham Archives as well as residents on the bid.

Cllr Graham said: “Schemes like this don't just help to create attractive, vibrant places that people want to live, work, visit and invest in, they also inspire communities to find out more about their local heritage, and give people the chance to learn new skills.

“It will help enhance Padiham’s historic heart, build on the town’s civic pride, and attract more visitors and shoppers to the town.”

Charlotte Steels, director of Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, said staff were delighted when they found out the bid had been successful.

She said: "My predecessor worked on the bid and we were really keen to be involved.

"A lot of people in Padiham do not know about Gawthorpe Hall and it is a great way to tie it in with the town centre.

"If the street furniture and signage is going to take inspiration from the collection as well that's a great thing.

"It is also a nice way of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth.

"Some areas are looking tired but when you look at the architecture it has got so much character. To be able to lift that and encourage tourism will be great. It will be wonderful to see when it is done."

Earlier this year the council asked residents to help shape a conservation area management plan, which was a key part of the successful bid.

Cllr John Harbour, the council’s deputy leader and 'heritage champion', said: "This is wonderful news for Padiham and a great boost to the town and the ongoing work to create a vibrant centre that reflects the past as well as the future.

"I’d like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund and everyone who played a part in the successful bid for all their support."

The Townscape Heritage scheme is focused on an area of mostly Victorian buildings known locally as 'The Hill'.

The five-year programme, which will start in Autumn, will oversee the repair and restoration of the buildings, carry out environmental improvements, such as introducing traffic calming, pavement resurfacing and public art enhancements, help deliver community events and support business development.

They will also develop a 'Home made on the High Street' marketing strategy to build on the growing number of creative businesses as well as the town's connections to Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth and Gawthorpe Textiles Collection.