COUNCILLORS have pulled the plug on a contest that could have brought in talent from across the UK to 'street-scape' Accrington's Broadway.

Hyndburn Council was to organise a competition in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects to improve the under-fire shopping street.

But the cabinet has now withdrawn it from its next meeting's agenda at the last minute. Coun Peter Britcliffe, council leader, said the decision was taken to avoid the council ending up with something it regretted.

He told the meeting on Wednesday: "What is wrong with resurfacing, having some nice flowers and a place for people to sit?

"We want something simple, something nice and something we can all be proud of. We don't feel it is the right time to start going into competitions and different designs, which a little bit further down the road we find we have committed ourselves to."

The contest was due to be launched in August, with a shortlist of designers finalised in September and the winner chosen in December.

But Coun Britcliffe admitted the decision could mean the cash-strapped authority may have trouble with funding.

The initiative was to get cash from English Partnership and European grants. He said: "We realise by not trying to draw in hundreds of people with hundreds of ideas we might have some difficulties with funding. But that will be our priority in Accrington town centre."

It is still hoped the work will be under way by summer 2005.

Broadway has come in for criticism in recent months for its shoddy state, which some claim is turning people away from Accrington.