RESIDENTS in Darwen are being urged to have their say and influence the future regeneration of their town before it is too late.

Darreners have just one day left to submit their ideas and opinions about how the town should be reshaped in future years.Council regeneration bosses will collect all the surveys linked to the Darwen Town Centre Strategy at the end of tomorrow to start formulating an action plan.

The ideas of Darreners will be taken into account when finalising the strategy, which will include transport, a refurbished rail station and enhancement of the town's historic areas.

The vision for the town has been divided into six sections - A Living Town, An Historic Town, A Working Town, A Town Set In The Countryside, A Thriving Market Town and An Inclusive Town - and been called the Six Towns of Darwen.

And plans have been drawn up for each of the "Six Towns" identifying projects and schemes which could be developed during the next five to 10 years. Early proposals include a transport study of the busy A666, developing Darwen's markets and the Market Square, the promotion of Darwen Tower and tourism in general in Darwen and the expansion of the range of public services in the town centre.

John Brown, chairman of the Darwen Town Centre Association and member of the Darwen Town Centre Partnership, has urged people to get their wish list to the council while they have the opportunity.

He said: "At the last meeting of the Darwen Town Centre Forum we told members of the public who attended where we were at with the strategy. It is their opportunity to give some feedback.

"We are working in a very open manner and it is important to move forward while keeping the people of Darwen involved. Here is the opportunity for them to say what they want to see happen in their town. If they haven't got a form they can ring the regeneration department at the council to express their views."

Heritage Lottery funding of £1million has already been approved as part of a possible £4million scheme to improve key buildings in the town, including the Central Methodist Chapel in Railway Road, Belgrave Tram Shelters, the former Lloyds Bank building in Croft Street and the former club premises in Church Street.

Forms should be returned to Adam Scott, Director of Regeneration, Housing and Neighbourhoods, c/o Blackburn Tourist Information Centre, FREEPOST, NWW 8125, Blackburn, BB1 5BR.