BRIGHT lights will illuminate Christmas in Accrington town centre, thanks to a decision by Hyndburn Partnership bosses to spend £25,000 on decorations.

Shoppers and visitors to the town during the festive season will enjoy a warmer glow following the allocation of the Single Regeneration Budget money.

This was set aside to buy longer-lasting lights which will cover a wider area of the centre.

A meeting of the Partnership's board heard that the Government SRB grant was due to run out in March next year and would be withdrawn if it was not used up. Town centre liaison officer Bill Huntley, told the meeting that shops in Accrington rely on the Christmas period for at least 40 per cent of their profit during the financial year.

Mr Huntley said the aim of spending the money was to make the town even more attractive and brighten up areas such as Abbey Street in the process.

He added: "Christmas is a critical period for the health of a lot of town centre businesses and this is supported by a lot of people." Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who chairs the board, said: "We now have a spectacular firework display when the lights are switched on.

"But other towns have become more sophisticated and unless we advance our own Christmas lights they could lose their attraction.

"The town is under pressure from the Trafford Centre and we need to be seen to be doing something to promote the centre."

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