A GRANT of up to £8million is being applied for to help revitalise businesses in Darwen town centre.

Bosses at the council have confirmed they will concentrate their application for the Future High Streets Fund on Darwen, with a view to applying for between £5million and £8million.

The £675million Future High Streets Fund is provided by the government to fund local areas’ plans to make their high streets and town centres fit for the future. It was unveiled by Northern Powerhouse Minister and MP for Rossendale and Darwen Jake Berry.

Director of growth and development at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Martin Kelly, said: “The fund has been set aside by the government to support high streets in towns that may be struggling due to the way people are choosing to shop.

“Councils were asked to identify places that might benefit from the fund, and Blackburn with Darwen council decided that Darwen would benefit most from a share of this money.”

Mr Kelly said an injection of cash would make a difference to what is already taking place in Darwen in terms of development and infrastructure.

He added: “The government estimate that around 400 towns will bid for a share of the funding, and we want between £5million and £8million for Darwen. We want to encourage new businesses to open in Darwen and want to improve how visitors and residents get around.

“If we are successful, there are many jobs that could be created and many businesses that could be helped.

“Essentially, we are trying to create a town centre that’s viable and sustainable for the future and something that we can be proud of.”

Executive member for regeneration and growth at Blackburn with Darwen council, Cllr Phil Riley said: “Darwen is the right place for us to try and concentrate our bid on.

“The process will be competitive as there will be a lot of similar towns looking at this but I would be absolutely thrilled if Darwen was successful as it would make a massive difference to the town.”

The council has until March 22 to pitch their suggestions to the government, who will in turn make a decision as to which towns in the country will receive a share of the funding, with final decisions being announced towards the end of the year.