RESIDENTS in Earby and Barnoldswick are being asked to put forward their own ideas on how they would like to see their towns improved after it was announced they were to benefit from an extra £50,000.

County Coun David Whipp welcomed the news that the Regional Development Agency approved the Council's bid for £50,000 to regenerate the two areas and has called for a wide-ranging consultation on the scheme.

More than £80,000 was already earmarked for the project by Pendle Borough Council and the balance of £20,000 is expected to be met by the private sector.

Coun Whipp, who is one of the Craven ward councillors, said: "It's almost 12 months since we applied for Development Agency money to make the two towns more attractive. The investment is vital, particularly in Earby, to maintain a viable shopping area.

"The lion's share of the investment, that is 70 per cent, will be in Earby where the number of empty shops is the highest. Although it's a two year project, because of Regional Development Agency rules the work in Barnoldswick will have to be carried out in the first 12 months."