COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead for cobbled streets in Colne to be restored to their former old-fashioned glory.

Councillors have agreed to spend £13,000 on repairs to two traditional roads in the town as part of a new programme for "heritage streets."

First Colne streets to have their traditional sett-paved roads --cobbled streets -- repaired under the scheme are Grosvenor Street and Robert Street.

They will then be designated "heritage streets" and will be maintained to keep a traditional setting for the town.

Liberal Demo- crat Councillor Sharon Davies, who chairs the Colne and District Committee of Pendle Council, said: "We are very keen to preserve the heritage of appropriate streets that still have sett-paved carriageways and York stone flags.

"We have put some of our area committee budget to this work and asked for matching funding from a central council pot set aside for this work."

Pendle Council's decision-making Executive agreed to provide the cash towards the work at a meeting this week.

Council chiefs included a modest sum of money for the work in the Council's budget for the first time earlier this year.

Waterside councillor Tony Greaves, who has been pushing for the scheme, said: "There are still many "cobbled streets" in Colne but many of them are getting worse for wear."

"We want to choose some of the best examples and bring them up to scratch, with a commitment to maintain them in future.

When the work has been done we are intending to designate them as 'heritage streets' where with the agreement and support of residents we will do our best to maintain the traditional street scene."

Councillors hope to be able to do traditional repairs to more streets in coming years and say they will welcome bids by residents for their streets to be included in the scheme.

The move has been welcomed by locals.

Local historian Darran Ward said: "I think it's a fantastic idea. I have talked to quite a lot of people about the cobbles and everyone was pleased when they knew they were going to keep cobbles.

"They have stood the test of time, are still in good condition, are a good road surface and it's in keeping with the terraced houses. It's a good part of our heritage. I think it will look really good and will be a boost for the town."