REGIONAL agencies are are throwing their weight behind Burnley's campaign for European grants following the announced loss of "Objective 2'' status.

Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale are to lose the grant assistance status which has allowed them to receive European Regional Development Fund cash to pay for economic regeneration activity, although a large area of Blackburn and Darwen and a significant part of the Ribble Valley are still included for funding support.

Burnley Chief Executive Roger Ellis said lobbying was now taking place with the support and assistance of the North West Regional Assembly, the North West Development Agency and Government Office North West.

He added: "All these agencies are very supportive of Burnley's need for European grant assistance and are being very helpful to us in trying to improve the current position.''

Loss of Objective 2 status means that Burnley and the other areas will not be able to obtain similar European grant aid for new projects for the next six years. Current schemes are not affected.

During the six year year period there will be transitional funding to soften the blow but it is not yet clear how much money will be available.

Burnley will be able to seek grant aid from other sources but the loss of Objective 2 means that less "match fund'' so money will not go as far.

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