MAJOR employment sites across Burnley could qualify for increased state aid from the European Union.

Currently only Hapton, home to Network 65 and the under-construction Burnley Bridge, qualifies for the EU’s Assisted Area Status (AAS) programme.

The last time the initiative’s boundaries were considered was seven years ago, leaving the door open for new submissions starting next year.

Council officials have lobbied the Lancashire Economic Partnership (LEP), responsible for the county bid, to include Heasandford and Rossendale Road industrial estate.

Council leader Coun Julie Cooper said: “We need to lobby to ensure that Government ‘signs off’ the LEP proposal.”