A LOCAL authority's bid for millions of pounds to the government's Levelling Up Fund has taken a step forward.
Hyndburn Council is to apply for Whitehall cash in Round Two of the scheme aimed at boosting the economy of Northern towns.
It has now appointed a steering group and consultant to mastermind the bid for up to £20million of grants.
The process will be paid for by £150,000 from the borough's s £150,000 Economic Recovery Fund.
The group will review the council's Accrington Area Plan to produce a new strategic Town Centre Investment Plan to revitalise the town centre.
The strategy was endorsed by Hyndburn Council's Cabinet on Wednesday.