PLANNERS drawing up a new-look street for Accrington town centre have been told not to include a tribute to the famous Pals in their designs.

Council bosses instead plan to place the £8,000 plaque in the grounds of St James' Church in Accrington town centre.

The plaque, due to be unveiled in July, is being funded by the council.

When the authority announced plans for its multi-million pound revamp of Broadway, council leader Peter Britcliffe said the memorial would be the ideal centrepiece for the project.

But after talking with interested parties involved in the Pals' memorial, Coun Britcliffe said officers had been asked to come up with something new for the centre of Broadway.

He said: "The Accrington Pals' memorial, which is something the town can be very proud of, is going to go at the church instead. It is a wonderful location for it."

No funding has been secured for the Broadway project yet because plans are still at a very early stage.

With its hotch-potch of hard standing and paving slabs, and 'tired-looking' buildings running along parts of both sides of the pedestrianised street, Broadway has been the subject of fierce criticism from the borough's Labour group, members of which have accused the Tories of 'messing up on regeneration'.

Officers have been instructed to draw up plans which make Broadway a 'delight' for visitors, with a focal point in the centre.

Chief planning and development officer Brendan Lyons said: "We are looking to create something which is welcoming, and which has a focal point, so much so that people say: 'I'll meet you there'.

"We are trying to create something which is attractive and which is busy day and night. When empty, Broadway can look very desolate.

"There are several buildings which look tired on Broadway and we are working with the owners to include them in the scheme."