A NEW company set up to strengthen and co-ordinate the regeneration of Hyndburn is going for the Full Monty, a director has pledged.

Nigel Rix has been appointed to lead Hyndburn FIRST- For Inclusive Regeneration in Sustainable Towns - which was also set up to engage community-based organisations in projects to improve the borough.

Speaking at an Accrington town centre regeneration board meeting, Mr Rix, who is currently director of regeneration for Hyndburn Council, said: "We will work together in partnerships for all communities.

"It is almost doing the Full Monty and taking off our uniforms and working together to develop opportunities within Hyndburn.

"We will be doing our best to bring in new investment for all the residents." The new company will take the place of the Hyndburn Partnership, which was established in 1995 to promote and co-ordinate the single regeneration budget programme of investment in Accrington town centre. Hyndburn FIRST will employ more than 25 council staff.

Nominations are sought for the board, including three business people, three voluntary sector representatives and one practitioner from the health, housing and education sectors.

Hyndburn residents will have three places on the board with nominees invited from the Prospects foundation, the Accrington, Church and Great Harwood Partnership and the tenants and residents association. Four borough councillors and one county councillor will also serve on the board.

Coun Peter Britcliffe, chairman of the Hyndburn Partnership and leader of the council, welcomed Hyndburn FIRST as a logical step in working with Hyndburn's communities.

"We want to strengthen partnership working to add value to individual services to meet local needs.

"Improved co-ordination between agencies and greater community ownership will generate new ideas and attract new investment for regeneration of our towns."

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