TRADERS, residents and planning chiefs took a tour of Accrington to discuss ways of sprucing up the town centre.

More than 50 people joined members of the newly-formed town centre regeneration board to visit various sites in the main shopping area.

They came up with ideas for improving the quality of life and the environment and discussed them at The Arcade Bar, in Warner Street. The trek also took in the site of a proposed multi-million pound retail development in Broadway.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe, said: "It was a fascinating walk round and good to see the regeneration board being so well supported. The groups identified problem areas that will now be passed on to our officers, who will prepare a response for the board's next meeting on October 11.

"What was alarming was the amount of litter. We also have a clutter of street signs for things like parking, where one would do. The good thing is, a lot of these problems can be solved without a great deal of money.

"It would be good to have another walk round in about six months to see if there have been any improvements."

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