PENDLE, Burnley and Hyndburn have been named as three of 32 Local Authority areas across England to have been shortlisted for a share in a £70million funding package to improve older people’s lives.

But it was bad news for Blackburn council which found out it will not progress to the next stage of the application process for the Big Lottery Fund’s Fulfilling Lives: Ageing Better fund.

Nationwide, 100 local authorities were initially invited to apply for funding of between £2million and £6million for activities that aim to prevent older people from feeling lonely and isolated within their communities.

Around 15 to 20 of the shortlisted local areas will receive a share of the £70 million, over a period of up to six years, to pilot area-wide projects to improve the lives of older people.

The final awards will be made next spring.

Philip Mousdale, Pendle Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted to submit a joint application with Burnley and Hynburn Councils for this funding.

“We recognise that older people deserve respect and their physical and social wellbeing is crucial in helping them to remain secure and active residents.

“We are working with Burnley and Hynburn to ensure we have the best possible chance of securing a share of the £70 million.”

Julie Cooper, leader of Burnley Borough Council, said: “We put a lot of work into this bid and we’re very pleased to have got through to the next round.

“There is undoubtedly a massive need in Burnley and Padiham, and this money would be incredibly valuable.

“We’ll be working just as hard on the next stage of the application process, and we really hope that our bid will be successful.”

And Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn council, said: “It’s very good news.

“We’re very happy about this. In these difficult times any funding is much appreciated as we’re having to make savings.

“Eldery people are very important and we are extremely grateful for any extra money to support them.

“Everyone will hope that we get through to the final stage.

“The officers from the three authorities that put in the bid will now be putting together a more detailed brief.”

Blackburn council said that its failiure to reach the next stage will not prevent it from working to address loneliness in older people.

Steve Tingle, director of Adult Commissioning and Personalisation at Blackburn with Darwen council, said: “Clearly, we’re disappointed but we are still determined to tackle loneliness and social isolation. That is why we will be shortly rolling out Good Neighbour Schemes which will build on the success of the Your Call good neighbour awards.”