HYNDBURN Council is to consider appointing a dedicated economic development officer to help the borough and its businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Its Labour leader Cllr Miles Parkinson has promised to look at the idea suggested in a letter to him from local Conservative MP Sara Britcliffe.

She wrote: “Coronavirus has particularly affected businesses, jobs and livelihoods in Hyndburn.

“New economic opportunities are now on offer and it is vital that we create an environment here in Hyndburn to support business prosperity, attract investment and develop the skills our businesses need.

“Therefore I believe it is necessary for Hyndburn Council to create a position for an economic development officer.

“This person would carry out several key functions including business engagement and support and be responsible for developing local projects for business growth, bidding for local and national funding, setting up training schemes and promoting the local economic area."