BURNLEY’S £3million drive to improve its town centre has been boosted by new support from some of the biggest names on the high street.

The town has been added to the Healthy High Streets programme which has already helped its selected retail hubs buck the national trend of falling sales and footfall.

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It aims to increase footfall by 10 per, reduce vacant shops by one fifth and stimulate new jobs.

Key sponsors of the The Prince’s Trust Business in the Community scheme include major retailers Wilko, Boots, EE, Greggs, Marks and Spencer and Santander which already operate in the town centre.

Community leaders hailed the exciting announcement as ‘tremendous’ news for the town.

In the first year of the Healthy High Streets programme, launched in June 2014, the first selection of towns saw an increase in footfall of 0.4 per cent compared to a similar national decline, outperforming their competitors by 0.8 per cent.

The 67 original towns, now joined by 33 more joined by Burnley, have seen an five per cent drop in empty retail units and the creation of 1,700 jobs.

Borough leader, Cllr Mark Townsend, said the news was a major boost to Burnley with its town centre street regeneration programme now half way through.

Chris Gribben, manager of the Charter Walk shopping centre, said: “This is the cherry on the cake.”

Former Liberal Democrat MP, Cllr Gordon Birtwistle said: “This is good news for the town, its shops and shoppers.”

Other town centres involved include Blackburn, Maidenhead, Leamington Spa, Barrow in Furness and Stockton on Tees.

The top high street names involved collaborate with council bosses and business-led town teams to implement activities including: promoting high profile events to drive shopper and visitor footfall; creating pop up shops and markets to support retail start-ups; helping landlords improve and let empty and unsightly properties; boosting accessibility and safety; providing expert help and resources to market and celebrate the existing high street; and helping to improve customer service.

Burnley will receive a tailored package of support, including access to skills and expertise, from dedicated ‘High Street Champions’ from the major retailers supporting the scheme.

In 2015, Burnley borough unveiled a £3million package with Lancashire County Council to upgrade and improve the town centre, resurfacing worn-out stretches of paving and replacing older benches and planters.

Earlier this week it also extended its successful Business Growth Scheme to retailers in Burnley and Padiham town centres.

Cllr Townsend said: “This is tremendous boost for our town centre and its shops and shoppers.

“It is really good news coming as we are half-way through our project to improve the main retail area.

“This scheme will be finished in Spring next year, just as all this new support and advice starts to have an effect.”

Mr Gribben said: “Burnley has weathered the retail storm of recent years better than many towns.

“With the work on the town centre environment and this involvement of major retailers already in the town this news is the cherry on the cake.”

Cllr Sue Graham, Burnley Council’s economic development boss, said: “Alongside the exciting improvements currently happening in the town centre, this is more good news for Burnley.

Robin Foale, chairman of the Healthy High Streets programme, said: “Congratulations to Burnley.

“This is a great opportunity to create a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”