COUNCIL bosses have been given more time to consider a controversial £2million revitalisation scheme for Bacup town centre.

Lancashire County Council was given until Tuesday to confirm support for the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) public realm scheme - of which it is due to contribute £380,000.

Talks had stalled after Conservative councillor Jimmy Eaton objected to a new road scheme that would remove a 16-year-old fountain.

Cllr Andy MacNae, Bacup THI board Chair, said they had agreed to give the council more time but stressed the 'uncertainty cannot go on much longer'.

He said: "Following feedback at the July public meeting changes have been made to the proposals and additional parking bays, disabled parking and loading zones have been included in the scheme and further traffic modelling is planned.

"We also remain open to ideas which retain valued elements of the fountain within a new layout.

"I really hope that Cllrs Eaton and Steen will recognise the benefits that this scheme could bring to Bacup and get behind this much needed regeneration project. It would be a great shame if Bacup was to lose £747,000 of funding."

He added he has received much support from residents and businesses for the scheme which he is 'certain will improve the image of the town, bring in new shoppers, encourage much needed investment and enable further regeneration'.