ACCRINGTON residents are being urged to come up with plans to put the fizz and fun back into the towns nightlife.

Senior councillor and businessman, Tony Dobson, is determined to save the evening and late night leisure economy which has declined in recent years.

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The Hyndburn borough Tory group leader is seeking ideas from residents and traders in Accrington, to bring life back to the town night times.

He said: "The council can be the catalyst and lead the way to bring traders together in order to set up a plan for 2016.

"Investors and individuals will then be able to get involved when there is a list of plans and actions for the nightlife scene.

"We need to make it better and it seems that traders who do come in, have landed in the area by chance.

"The traders that are here are trying to protect what they have instead of sharing customers.

"We want people to say that they heard about new bars and restaurants opening up in the town but we can only do this if there is a clear vision.

"Unless we give them a reason to come to these places, all I sense is that the town traders, including myself, are not giving them a reason to come and visit the area."

Trading businesses around the area have also noticed the decline in the town's nightlife.

Owner of the Hare and Hounds Pub in Clayton-le-Moors, Kath Skellorn said: "I think its a lot more of community spirit and this is a good idea which we need in the area for the town to keep growing.

"Our business is doing okay and we get most of the youngsters who start off their night here, more on the outskirts, but then go into the centre.

"The nightlife in Accrington does need more attention and it would be good to consider this to bring back the night time scene."