A PERMANENT memorial to war heroes the Accrington Pals is being lined up as a new focal point for the town centre, it was revealed today.

Hyndburn Council has assembled a team of officers to draw up plans to revitalise Broadway, part of which they believe is currently letting down the rest of the town centre.

It is one of two large-scale regeneration projects revealed this week -- the other being plans for a £4million new railway station.

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, which has 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.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "That could well be the Accrington Pals memorial, for which the council is currently setting aside money. It would be wonderful to have that in the heart of the town centre. On one side of Broadway we have the excellent market development, which is doing very well and looks wonderful, and on part of the other side we have the Arndale Centre. It is clear that the look of Broadway is currently letting us down and we want to improve it."

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."

Officers have also been told to include seating in the centre of Broadway again. Benches were removed when the market moved onto Broadway temporarily two years ago and, along with the flower beds, have not been replaced.

Kiosks will also line the centre of Broadway to ensure a flow of customers between the Arndale Centre and the market.

Coun Britcliffe hopes drawings will be on the table by this time next year, when work can begin to source money for the scheme. European and central government regeneration cash are both options.

Coun Jim Dickinson, deputy leader of the Conservatives, said: "It is important we don't rush into this. We want something to be proud of, just as we tweaked the design for the market two or three times."

In a separate move, Lancashire County Council is billing its plans for the new railway station -- which will link with the creation of a new bus station on land between Union Street and Edgar Street -- as its 'biggest public transport interchange project to date'.

A £150,000 feasibility study is now under way into the project, with work expected to begin in the financial year 2007/08 if the town gives it the thumbs-up. The new railway station would be modelled on Chorley's interchange, which includes retail outlets, ticket offices manned late into the evening, CCTV and warm waiting areas. Funding has yet to be rubber-stamped, and is subject to future funding allocations from Government.