A GROUP focusing on regenerating Clitheroe has been officially launched.

The Clitheroe Town Action Group has been set up in the wake of the Grimsey Report, published last month, which recommended establishing a commission for each town centre to build a long-term vision supported by businesses.

The new group, which will be chaired by Ribble Valley Borough councillor Ged Mirfin, includes Clitheroe town councillor Kevin Horkin and Lancashire county councillor Ian Brown.

It also includes Ian Sowerbutt, the managing director of Sowerbutt’s Furniture and Ian Lloyd, a director of Mortimer’s Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors.

The group will act as a forum, drafting papers on issues such as parking, empty shops and the design of community shopping spaces.

It will report to the Economic Development Working Group of Ribble Valley Borough Council.

Coun Mirfin said: “We believe that an empowered and emboldened town centre action group for Clitheroe will provide the dynamic impetus that is required to drive the necessary change.

“We want to push through initiatives that will improve the retail environment and shopping experience in Clitheroe for the better in the long term.”