CLITHEROE town centre will be given a facelift if a funding package can be agreed.

Lancashire County Council is in talks with Ribble Valley Borough Council over the possibility of spending around £40,000 to improve the area’s appearance.

The budget, which is still up for discussion, could be spent in pavements, signs and decorations.

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s chief executive Marshall Scott announced the talks at a meeting of the Clitheroe town economic action group, chaired by the Rev Andy Froud.

A final decision on the amount of money and what it will be spent on is expected ‘within the coming weeks’.

Clitheroe town councillor Kevin Horkin, who has been campaigning on this issue, said: “I very much welcome this funding and it will make an impact on the town centre.

“I hope this is the start of things to come because the people of the Ribble Valley and Clitheroe need to have their fair share.

“The money does not come close to the amount that has been cut from the borough in recent years but it’s a start.”

Terry Longden, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s head of engineering services, said: “We are holding discussions with Lancashire County Council in its capacity as the highways authority about the condition and suitability of the public realm, which includes roads and pavements, in Clitheroe town centre.

“These are formal talks with a view to carrying out improvements, but exactly what and when has not been decided yet.”

Andy Ashcroft, highways manager for Ribble Valley, said: “We’ve identified funding for improvements to public realm in Clitheroe as part of a wider regeneration project.

“We’re keen to make Clitheroe more attractive for visitors and local people and will continue to work closely with the borough council on the design and detail of the scheme.”