A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to improve Blackburn town centre has been launched -- and council bosses want to hear what people think of it.

The plan aims to make the centre safer for shoppers, attract new stores, boost trade for local businesses and improve public transport.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is managing the plan, which is funded by £2.5million from the European Regional Development Fund and could help to attract up to £8.5million of additional investment.

Roadshows highlighting the proposed changes are touring Blackburn and Darwen town centres over the next five weeks.

"Our aim is to transform Blackburn town centre into a centre for a new generation of shoppers," said Councillor Ashley Whalley, executive board member for regeneration.

"We want to see new public open spaces, environmental improvements, high-class retailers, new leisure facilities, and to create a caf bar culture for day and night-time users.

"We are looking at everything from new development opportunities, reducing traffic in the town centre, improving public transport links and providing the kind of environment people want to make their leisure and work time more enjoyable."

The Town Centre Action Plan is a three-year European Regional Development Fund project which was launched in March 1999. Under the plan new areas of development have been identified on land behind the railway station, at Town's Moor, Prospect Mill, Salford, the Shopping Centre, Ainsworth Street, King Street and Church Street.

Proposals to develop the town centre orbital route, extend Barbara Castle Way, divert traffic and pedestrianise Church Street are also part of the plan.

The railway station is also undergoing redevelopment and public transport is being improved through various initiatives.

The roadshows will be held on the following days between 10am and 3pm:

Saturday June 24 - Victoria Court, Blackburn shopping centre (outside Next)

Friday June 30 - Darwen market atrium (between the markets)

Saturday July 1 - Cobden Court, Blackburn shopping centre (outside Dixons)

Friday July 7 - Market Way, Blackburn markets

Saturday July 8 - Market Way, Blackburn markets

Saturday July 15 - Victoria Court, Blackburn shopping centre (outside Next)

Saturday July 22 - Victoria Court, Blackburn shopping centre (outside Next).

Picture: Jess Moss and Lisa Greaves, both 12-year-old pupils at Our Lady and St John High School, Blackburn, help town centre manager Paul Isherwood and Coun Whalley launch the roadshows