PENDLE'S economy is to be top priority following the announcement that £3million is being put back into the borough.

The money - from the North West Development Agency (NWDA) - is the first allocation of cash from a new regeneration programme that will replace the government's single regeneration budget.

It will be administered by Pendle Partnership, who will draw up and send an action plan for how the money will be spent to the NWDA by early summer. If the plan is approved, Pendle could start to see the benefits by October.

Coun Azhar Ali, leader of administration on the council, said: "This is really good news for Pendle and recognises the quality of the partnership working that exists in the borough.

"The money means that we will be able to support a wide range of initiatives to strengthen the local economy. The tangible benefits for local residents will be stronger with more competitive local businesses providing new job opportunities."

Pendle Partnership chairman Dennis Mendoros said: "During the past five years the Partnership has been successful in securing more than £28million from the government's single regeneration budget. This will be the first year of the NWDAs new regeneration programme and to have already secured £3million is fantastic news for Pendle.

"The first round of the new programme has an economic focus and the £3million will be channelled into initiatives that will help to bolster Pendle's economy and bring in new wealth."