THE repaving of Barnoldswick Town Square can be finished after now Lancashire County Council stumped up £200,000.

The move has delighted local councillors.

Barnoldswick Town Council and Pendle Borough Council had raised £210,000 in two years of the project but it risked stalling for lack of cash to complete the job.

Initially the county council was unwilling to find the extra cash but it has now stepped in to match fund the project so the work can be completed.

Pendle Rural Conservative representative Cllr Jenny Purcell took the issue up with the Highways Department at the county council and helped secure the additional funding required to complete the repaving.

She said “I’m delighted to have been able to secure the necessary funding to able to complete this work.

"The Square could have been in real mess during a time when we need to make it easier and safer for shoppers to support our fantastic independent shops and cafes in Barnoldswick.

"They need all the support that they can get, so I want to thank the county council for agreeing to step in and fill the funding gap. I will continue to push for as much funding as possible to keep improving our town.”

Pendle Rural Liberal Democrat Cllr David Whipp said: "I am delighted with this extra money so we can continue with the repaving of the square.

"We have been pressing the county council on this issue for a longtime. I am grateful for Cllr Purcell's support.

"It has been a real co-operative effort by Barnoldswick Town Council, Pendle Borough, local councillors and residents."

Pendle Council's Labour leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: "I am pleased that this work can now be finished. Councillors in West Craven have been campaigning vehemently for this paving of the town square for a long time."

The stone used is from Whitworth Quarry, Rossendale.

Cllr Keith Iddon, county highways boss, said: "We've agreed some funding to extend the work on the paving, as part of the Pendle Borough Council scheme in Barnoldswick, which will help to provide a more attractive space for businesses and visitors to the town.

"We're pleased that we could work with them to make this happen."