DERELICT offices are being turned into luxury flats in a council scheme to encourage people to move back into a town centre.

Hyndburn Council has already created 29 new flats from empty properties in Accrington, and more will follow.

The former cinema on Edgar Street has been converted into 14 one-bedroom and two-bedroom rented flats.

Two derelict floors above Stylistic and Whites Leisure Arcade, in Blackburn Road, which have been empty for about five years, have been developed, creating 12 new homes.

Three shops in Warner Street have had new flats built above them and six more homes in Church Street are currently being converted from derelict offices.

Empty properties in Willow Street also look set to be developed in the next 12 months.

The renovations are the result of funding won through the Single Regeneration Budget, which awarded the council £3.8 million in 1995 to carry out developments in central Accrington.

In addition to property improvements, the funds have financed initiatives including security TV, community wardens and the restoration of the Globe Centre.

Housing committee chairman Coun Clifford Westell said: "It is wonderful that the council is able to aid the repopulation of Accrington town centre.

"This will in turn encourage new retailers and help the development of evening attractions in the town.

"Deteriorating, derelict property has been restored and transformed into attractive, popular accommodation.

"It will enhance the vitality of Accrington and provide high quality rented flats."

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