WEST Craven Together, the Barnoldswick and Earby area's 'Market Town' regeneration partnership, has allocated its first £100,000 of funding.

The partnership recently celebrated the award of £1million from the North West Development Agency, and local communities are now beginning to see the benefit.

More than half of the initial cash will pay for CCTV cameras while another £40,000 will go towards a series of small-scale projects to boost the community.

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp revealed how the money was being spent at a meeting of the Town Council.

Coun Whipp said: "£60,000 of funding has been agreed towards the twin CCTV projects in Barnoldswick and Earby, half the amount for each project. £40,000 has been allocated for a Community Awards Scheme to help fund small scale projects, of which £5,000 has already been approved for Barnoldswick's Wheel-park project at Victory Park. A further £9,000 is to go into a £40,000 scheme to improve access for disabled people at West Craven Sports Centre.

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And he revealed more good news to town councillors. He said: "West Craven Together has also got final agreement from the County Council for a 99 year lease on the former Rainhall Road school building, coupled to a grant to cover the cost of the lease.

"A £230,000 bid is being submitted to the European Regional Development Fund."

The Rainhall Road scheme will see the former school transformed into a base for the council, if the bid is successful.

Barnoldswick town councillor Frank Neal said: "Seeing the money being allocated to projects is very exciting."