THE bid for £4.5million of government cash to help spearhead new regeneration projects in Blackburn town centre was today given the thumbs up by the people who could benefit most.

But council bosses say there is much more to come than just the results of the £4.5million bid to the North West Development Agency.

At the same time as they announced the bid, the council has revealed its new town centre strategy update, which builds on the previous strategy launched in 1998. At the centre of the plan is the further development projects that will attract more people to the town.

This is where the new plan for Asian Quarter comes in. The Whalley Range area already has a large number of Asian businesses and is well known nationally for the Asian fashions produced there. By offering support to businesses in the area to develop restaurants and shops, it is hoped the Whalley Range district will become popular with visitors in the same way Rusholme -- Manchester's Curry Mile -- and Chinatown are.

Seven distinct districts will be created in the town so people know where to go for shopping, leisure, education, travel and employment.

Ronnie O'Keeffe, of Blackburn Chamber of Trade, said: "We have to accept we cannot be Preston or Manchester. We need to find our own niche and market ourselves.

"The idea of distinct districts which are linked will is good, and the Asian idea shows we can be different. But the strategy is not specific enough, it does not talk about ideas in enough depth or prioritise them. It is a bit disappointing over all. There is no point thinking big when the town isn't even clean." Businesses, shoppers and the public at large now have about six weeks to comment on the Town Centre Strategy Update.

In the strategy, the future of Lord Square also comes under the spotlight.

The council pledges to liaise with owners Standard Life and encourage alternative proposals for the site.

Transport is also addressed in the strategy, with plans to improve links between parts of the town centre -- such as the Towns Moor complex to the shopping centre -- a high priority.

Safe and secure car parks are also on the agenda, along with creating a better bus station and more reliable buses.

People wanting to comment on the proposals can call a special hotline on 01254 262111 or visit blackburnworld.com or email regeneration@blackburn.gov.uk