HELP and guidance for young people tops the wish-list for the future of Darwen.

Consultation over Darwen's Town Centre Strategy has revealed that residents' main concerns revolve around the children of the town.

Residents considered the draft strategy during November and December and it has now been revealed that the main desire is to have a sixth-form college in the town, more provision for the young and the development and investment in early years, play, families and education.

Other issues raised were the need for improved cleansing of Darwen, the maintenance of key buildings, the future of the current health centre, enhancement and improvement of the Market Square and traffic movement in and around the town centre.

Also mentioned was better control of the activities of private landlords and the importance of maintaining future opportunities for feedback from local people. The consultation involved a series of workshops, distribution of leaflets and questionnaires. Feedback was considered by Darwen Partnership Board and has now been included in the final strategy, which is based on the concept of 'The Six Towns of Darwen'.

Coun Andy Kay, chairman of the partnership, said: "The board now has a clear vision for the future of Darwen Town Centre."

Lib Dem councillor David Foster, a member of the Partnership Board, said: "We will now need secure funding for the project and will look into the developments in more detail."

Conservative David Fenton said: "I would like to think that all Darweners will be positive about the

strategy."