THE Conservative party candidate for Hyndburn for the General Election has said he wants to “bring life back” to the borough’s town centres.

Kevin Horkin was speaking after he said a Freedom of Information request revealed that there were currently 139 empty shops in Hyndburn.

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He said more traders should take advantage of the reoccupation rate relief scheme to refill empty premises.

Mr Horkin said: “The government wants to encourage thriving and diverse town centres and wants to see the number of vacant shops decrease. This can only happen however if councils are aware of the scheme and understand just exactly how they can provide help to proprietors keen to move into empty premises on the high street.”

In a controversial move, Marks & Spencer, an anchor store in Broadway in Accrington town centre, announced it would be closing this month.