A MULTI-MILLION pound boost for two major infrastructure schemes in a town is set to take another step forward.

Burnley Council’s executive board will consider a £4.9million grant from Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which will support the delivery of major infrastructure works at sites in the town.

The LEP’s funding came from the Local Growth Fund, a multi-million pound investment programme for Lancashire which seeks to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs and help build new homes.

The proposed funds will support the creation of flood defences along the River Calder and Green Brook, protecting existing premises and enabling the development of 240 homes on the former Baxi site.

If the grant is approved, there will also be public realm improvements to improve and enhance the town centre, aimed at increasing footfall and attracting new retailers.

The total cost of the schemes will be £7.9million, with the remaining funding coming from the Environment Agency and the Padiham Townscape Heritage Scheme.

Burnley Council’s executive, which is due to meet at Burnley Town Hall on June 5, has been recommended to approve the grant and delegate authority to senior officers to complete the legal agreements with partners.

Cllr Sue Graham, the council’s executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “The projects will help protect the town from future flooding and will also support the work to protect Padiham's historical heart on ‘The Hill’ through the Townscape Heritage project.

“This is about looking ahead to an exciting future for Padiham while, at the same time, helping to protect its past.”

Graham Cowley, chair of the LEP’s growth deal management board, said: “By supporting the North West Burnley Growth Corridor in Padiham we are not only helping to protect existing residential and commercial premises we are also ensuring that the area can accommodate more growth and investment in the future.”