COUNCIL chiefs were given an unexpected second chance to press Blackburn's case for government aid.

The Government announced that all 54 authorities bidding for the £37.5 million City Challenge handouts were to meet ministers to discuss their bids again.

Housing Minister Sir George Young was to re-examine Blackburn's case for aid to regenerate run-down areas.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.