A £575,000 facelift of several town centre streets in Blackburn will begin today.

The Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has given the money to improve public spaces in the King William Street, New Market Street, Town Hall Street and the bottom of Lord Street West areas.

It is hoped the project, which will include new seating and spaces to cater for seasonal events and entertainment, will make the area more attractive to investors and will result in a more accessible and welcoming area for shoppers.

It is a further boost to the town following the opening of the new £66million new shopping centre and market in Church Street.

David Malpass of the ERDF said: “This area is central to the retail, civic and commercial heart of Blackburn and it deserves a public space which will attract visitors and new private sector investment.

“These works will create a much larger, more welcoming area which will encourage new businesses and new jobs into the area.”

Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "King William Street is a key part of the town centre and links the shopping centre area with Northgate and Blakey Moor.

“It has been in need of a facelift for a while and funding for this sort of improvement will not be available again for some years, so we have taken advantage of the money from the ERDF.

“The businesses in this part of town are delighted that the work will be going ahead and shoppers will benefit from the improved pedestrian areas, new seating and a brighter appearance."

Brian Moran of contractors J and R Moran, who will carry out the work, said: “"This is a really important area in Blackburn town centre and all my team are very proud to be working in our home town.

"We employ local labour and use local suppliers and sub contractors all within a 20 mile radius to ensure that the local economy gets the greatest benefit.”