PEOPLE who live, work, study or shop in a town has been asked for their views to help shape a new blueprint for its future.

Pendle council wants their input as is prepares its 'masterplan' for Nelson.

They have been invited to a drop-in session at the ACE Centre in the town's Cross Street on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm.

The borough council is submitting bids to the government for up to £35million from two regeneration funds.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “This is a chance for people who care about Nelson to have a real input in shaping exciting plans for the town centre.

"The Nelson Masterplan will be the blueprint for the future direction of the town over ten years and the positive effects will be felt far beyond this.

“This is a huge opportunity as we gear up to win funding of up to £35 million for Nelson,”

Neil Watson, Pendle Council’s planning manager, said: “The last Nelson Masterplan led to a transformation of the town centre, including an amphitheatre for events around the stunning Shuttle sculpture. We also opened up the centre to slow-moving traffic and created more parking spaces.

“There is still much work to do for Nelson and local people can make a big impact. Nelson faces many challenges including under-used leisure and cultural facilities and empty shops.

“We have a number of problem sites, there isn’t a thriving night-time economy and there are poor perceptions of the town.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform the town. I’ve received lots of great suggestions from residents which I will be feeding into the consultation."

People can give their views to the council by email or letter from Wednesday until 9am on November 6.