BURNLEY is to be the pilot for a £3million project aimed at bringing new jobs and businesses to the poorest neighbourhoods across the country, it was announced today.

Business Brokers was launched today by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions in partnership with Business in the Community and the British Chamber of Commerce.

Barry Kilby, chairman of Burnley Football Club, has been appointed business "champion" for the local scheme.

Burnley Action Partnerships is one of nine pilot schemes to successfully bid for a share in the project.

Partners include Burnley Council, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Initiative Burnley. Business Brokers will build links between businesses, deprived areas and public agencies supporting regeneration of some of the town's most deprived areas.

Welcoming the scheme Regeneration Minister Lord Falconer who recently visited Burnley Wood, Accrington Road, Duke Bar, and the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse areas of Burnley, said: "Poorer neighbourhoods need strong economies if they are ever going to cahnge. Better co-ordinated business involvement can help bring investment, create jobs, encourage enterprise and improve the local environment.

"Business Brokers will show businesses there is much to gain and little to lose from regenerating deprived areas."

The project will provide a one stop shop to give businesses advice and opportunities on how to get involved in neighbourhood renewal in their areas.