A TOWN council for Darwen would help revitalise the area, according to a local government expert.

Marion Gelder, the executive secretary of Lancashire Association of Parish and Town Councils, said it would empower residents and help bring the town a sense of identity.

She said the town's civic status would be raised, with a Darwen mayor and even the option of its own town crier.

A town council for Darwen is one of the key aims of the Lancashire Telegraph's We're Backing Darwen Campaign.

The new council would allow people to have a bigger say on by-laws and planning issues through locally-elected councillors and would also act as a major forum and lobbying organisation.

Darwen has some good independent shops, attractive places to live and proposed multi-million-pound developments such as the Darwen Academy and new leisure centre.

But we believe more needs to be done to make this fiercely independent town truly shine.

Signatures are being gathered to present to the government to show support for the move.

Dozens of people have already signed our on-line petition, which was launched this week.

And the campaign was backed by Ms Gelder, who said: "It raises all sorts of possibilities.

"As the first tier of government a town council is closer to the people, a focal point for the community.

"Town and parish councils have certain powers given to them by the government.

"They are regulated and the councillors are elected by local people, so they are accountable.

"The meetings are open to the public and obviously held locally so people can attend and make representations. And the council can spent its money in any way it wishes, and all of it will be spent in the area."

We're Backing Darwen is also pressing for improvements to the town's road system, seen as central to boosting trade in the centre.

And Ms Gelder said a town council could provide a boost to the local economy.

She added: "If there's a good set of councillors they can pursue these things and bring more funding in.

"They have lots of powers and duties, like the duty to provide allotments for the local community if they wish.

"They can put Christmas lights up. And many arrange for a giant Christmas tree in the town centre.

"There's no end of stuff it could bring. There are garden in bloom competitions, and town criers.

"A town council provides a focal point and bring a sense of identity to the town."