CONCERNS have been raised over the future of a job which was created to help revitalise Padiham town centre.

Tony Fitzgerald, who was appointed as town centre manager in 2012 to help fill empty shops, has departed.

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He helped to reduce the number of empty shops from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, bucking the national trend of town centre decline.

Mr Fitzgerald has now taken up a similar post in Altrincham and, despite the post being funded until the end of March, Burnley Council said it was not clear if the post will be filled.

The remaining funding is being used to market and promote the town.

The post was created as part of a planning agreement between Burnley Council and Padiham’s £11m Tesco store.

It was funded for two years before being extended for another year. The father-of-two spearheaded the town’s award-winning Homemade on the High Street campaign which helped to bring several grassroots businesses to the town and created 22 jobs.

He was responsible for creating a ‘pop up’ shop which allowed small businesses to take over a premises in the town for a short time.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently reviewing the future of this position and funding options.”

“In the meantime we will continue to promote Padiham and would encourage people to visit www.padiham.org.uk to keep up-to-date with events.”

The post could also be saved if a £1million Heritage Lottery Fund bid is successful.

Mark Jinkinson, who runs Mark Jinkinson Optometrist in Burnley Road and is on the of Padiham Town Team, said: “Tony did a brilliant job and made a noticeable difference to the town.” in the time he was here.”

“He did a lot of work behind the scenes and we are very sad to see him go but wish him well for the future.

“He may leave a bit of a legacy if the £1million Heritage Lottery Fund bid is successful. The funding will ensure that the post can continue for another five years.”