MORE than 40 new shops have opened in a revitalised Accrington town centre during the last year, it has been revealed.

Town centre manager Bill Huntley said it was "great news" that more and more businesses were moving into the area.

He said: "Many of these 40 businesses have made considerable refurbishments to their properties and it is improving the town.

"It sends out a clear message that people are willing to invest in Accrington."

He said that the major area of growth is around Warner Street where 11 new shops have been launched, many of which were independent retailers.

Mr Huntley added: "We are certainly moving in the right direction.

"The development of Broadway has been a success, as has the regeneration investment we have seen in the town.

"Investors are aware that we are shortly producing a masterplan for the future of the town and that raises confidence."

One of the new independent retailers in Accrington is Hardman and Hall Contemporary Florists.

Gill Hardman set up the shop almost a year ago and said since she arrived she had been very impressed with the town.

She said: "I came here from Bury because I had heard Accrington was on the up and that is what I have found.

"It used to have a reputation as a home of great independent shops and that sector is thriving again."

Her business partner Kay Hall added: "We thought Accrington was so full of character and there was a gap in the market for a shop like ours.

"The town centre is so attractive now and I think that helps and we had a lot of support from Bill and Hyndburn Council.

"We have a lot of customers saying that they had not been to Accrington for a while but hadn't realised how much the town has improved."