A HAIRDRESSER is calling for an annual pride march through Accrington to show support for Hyndburn's gay community.

A replica of Manchester's famous Canal Street is also among the ideas being touted by Paul Freely, owner of Accrington's Euro Hair and Beauty, in a bid to bring the "pink pound" to Hyndburn.

Mr Freely said: "At the moment there is no visible gay community in Hyndburn.

"Those of us who do live here often get overlooked when people are coming up with plans for the future of Accrington and surrounding areas.

"I feel that we are not being listened to and that is a terrible shame because we are a valuable asset to the community."

The 40-year-old, who plans to put up a rainbow striped gay pride flag outside his Cross Street shop, said: "There is a massive gay community in Manchester and a thriving one in Blackpool, both of which are so vibrant they attract international visitors who spend a lot of money there.

"We are in the middle of these two places and it is an anomaly that there is nothing here.

"The council always talks about regeneration and creating new businesses yet we are missing out on the pink pound."

Mr Freely believes there should be an annual gay march through Accrington and that money should be ploughed into Cross Street to make it a mini rival to Manchester's gay scene.

He said: "Hyndburn should be celebrating its diversity, not hiding from it.

"There was no mention of lesbian, gay or bisexual groups in any of the literature produced by the council last year and there are no clear council policies regarding these groups.

"To do that we need more support from the council."

A spokesperson for Hyndburn Council said that a gender equality scheme was being put together which would include action plans for improvement in the areas mentioned by Mr Freely.

Coun Tony Dobson, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "I would like to think that Hyndburn is a diverse community and that we are a doing' authority rather than just a talking' one.

"The gay pride march is an interesting idea and if Mr Freely would like to organise one the council will give him all the support that it can."

Stephen Coote, director of the Gay Business Association, said: "It is well documented that the arrival of a gay community in dilapidated areas has often brought impressive regeneration.

"The revivals of Canal Street in Manchester and Soho in London are proof of this.

"But Accrington might not be the north west's biggest attraction for the pink pound."