DARWEN is to be promoted as a market town and visitor destination in a bid to bring more people into the town centre.

The Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board (DTCPB) met last week to discuss how to spend the remaining money from the High Street Innovation Fund.

At the board meeting, chaired by Earcroft councillor and Darwen Town Council mayor Trevor Maxfield, it was agreed the money should be used to market Darwen to outsiders.

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Marsh House councillor and board member John Roberts said: “It was argued that we need to make links between the town centre with surrounding countryside, quality accommodation, local hotels and eateries.

“In addition, we will be promoting Darwen’s unique selling points and developing a brand to reflect that.”

The existing Town Centre Heritage Trail leaflet will also be relaunched as part of sharpening up publicity and marketing material.

Cllr Roberts added: “The board wants to highlight that Darwen retains much of its Victorian heritage and the town centre showcases architectural detail of the highest quality.

“The town centre environment is further enhanced by its valley setting with parks leading up the hillside to the surrounding moorland.

“We recognised that Darwen is quirky while cultured, diverse yet inclusive and vibrant in a uniquely Darwen way.

“It has a thriving market at its heart, a strong community spirit and is bursting with tradition and heritage.

“The town also has a thriving night time economy, good independent shops and market stalls, all of which are attractive to potential visitors.

“Darwen Live and other events also raise the profile of the town as a visitor destination.”

Cllr Maxfield said: “Darwen is a great place to live but also a great place to visit with lots of things to see and do.

“We know that, but now we need to show people from out of town and entice them in.”

DTCPB Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board was given some of a £100,000 grant from the government two years ago to spend in the town.

The cash was part of the £10 million High Street Innovation Fund project announced by housing minister Grant Shapps, with £500,000 handed to five East Lancashire authorities, including Blackburn with Darwen Council.