YOUNG people are being urged to become more involved in Darwen's future.

The call comes after only a handul of the 200 people at Wednesday night's community conference were under the age of 30.

Janice Parker, a governor at Darwen Moorland High School and chairman of Darwen Tower Credit Union, said: "It's just as important for young people to have a say as it is for us."

And Frank Lang, chairman of Darwen Community Association and regeneration board member, said: "It seems like young people just aren't interested in Darwen and it seems like a national trend.

"Some of them will get to a certain age when they will realise they have to settle down here and build a life. They will then have to decide whether they want to live in a Darwen like we have now, or one that can be dramatically improved."

Darwen's regeneration plan so far centres on improvements to the market, attracting trade to the town and improving the A666.

After this week's conference, Coun Karimeh Foster said: "The ideas are there but now the people want to see them put in motion. It still feels like the people aren't being listened to as much as they should. It was quite like a classroom environment."

Coun Dave Hollings said: "It's good to see that the people agreed with the thrust of the concepts being brought forward. We need a wider mix of people to attend the next public meeting in autumn. Younger people should have their say in matters they feel are important to Darwen."

Adam Scott, council director of housing, regeneration and neighbourhoods, informed the public that two members of the youth forum would be invited to form part of the 18-strong regeneration committee.

He said: "We are looking to make youth members a part of the group, and the two youth members will be from Darwen."