THE multi-million pound revamp of Accrington town centre is set to move one step closer next week.

On Wednesday, councillors will vote whether to launch a £3m regeneration scheme aimed at bringing empty town centre shops back into use.

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Historical features lost over the years will be restored, essential architectural and building repairs will be carried out, shops will get new fronts and signage, and a new square commemorating the sacrifice of the Accrington Pals a century ago are all planned.

The council’s regeneration and property manager Helen McCue-Melling, said half of the money has been granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund, while the council will stump up the other half.

She said: “We want the new town square to convey the story of the Accrington Pals and foster the pride of the town felt 100 years ago. All of this we hope will increase footfall into the centre of Accrington, bring empty shops and upper floors back into use, and support the local economy.”

She continued: “The project has a detailed activity and training plan which seeks to engage business owners, students, visitors, workers, and residents, to ensure as many people as possible know about the importance of historical buildings, their value to our community and local economy, and the importance of restoring and maintaining them.”

The council said the work will complement the new bus station, and will get underway next year.

It is expected to be finished before September 2019.

But opposition leader at Hyndburn Council, Peter Britcliffe, said he has ‘grave reservations’.

He said: “What about Peel Street where the current bus station is? We need to see some good plans on there. The council needs to create some car parking. but what they will do by creating the square is block the access to cars to the town centre, and I don’t think they can afford to do that.

“I would like to have seen a much wider consultation. I’m all in favour of a tribute to the Pals, but there’s already a remembrance garden in Church Street that couldn’t benefited from the money.”

“I’m not happy and I know traders, especially in the market, are extremely concerned as to how this will develop.”

Council documents show a ‘considerable’ consultation was carried out with the public, in the form of questionnaires and feedback, with traders, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment, and the Town Team.