PADIHAM'S bid to secure almost £1million of funding towards a major revamp of the town is set to receive a boost tonight -- if Burnley Council back the plans.

The council's executive has been recommended to endorse the bid by Padiham Life, the organisation responsible for the regeneration of the town.

If passed Burnley Council would then become the accountable body for submitting the bid.

Today the Mayor of Padiham Councillor Mark Jinkinson said he hoped members would get behind the bid so that the funding could come into the town.

He said: "It's an exciting time for Padiham and anything that helps to move towards the regeneration of the town is welcome.

"I hope Burnley Council give it their backing."

Padiham Life has until March 21 to submit its bid for funding to the North West Development Agency.

The report says the bid will be for £750,000 and £220,000 the next financial year.

But it adds that they can only get the money with Burnley Council's support.

Padiham Life has prepared an action plan which will be turned into a master plan by property advisor GVA Grimleys.

A number of potential projects have been identified including: improvements

to the front of the town hall; shopfront improvements; the possibility of a new Padiham Market; a riverside walk from Gawthorpe Hall to the town centre; a cycle way and footpath on the former Padiham branch line; and improvements to Padiham Pool and Padiham Football Club.