AN ambitious £2 million-plus programme which aims to ignite our own cultural revolution is taking shape.

The aim is to stamp the word culture across a whole range of activities and pastimes for townspeople.

The George Street area, which roughly takes in the land between Central Station and the Hardshaw Centre, will become the town's own 'cultural quarter' - based on a programme of refurbishment, landscaping and transport and security improvements.

Seventeen companies have expressed an interest in setting up shop there and now four companies have been awarded in the region of £2,000 to £4,000 each to establish their businesses.

They include an artist, two photography companies and a proposed music rehearsals studio.

The money has been rewarded via the Single Regeneration Budget which is being administered by Ravenhead Renaissance - the private and public economic partnership in the town established by St Helens Council and its business partners.

The attraction of new, small creative industries is being seen as the catalyst for success in the new cultural quarter.

Advertising, antiques, film, music, public relations and software are among the many activities being targeted. Four of the 17 businesses which have expressed an interest already have now been awarded grant aid to help them start up.

Ravenhead Renaissance has been busy building up a register of those industries which could be tempted into the area through grant assistance - many who are currently based at home or in unsuitable accommodation - as well as a list of prospective landlords.