BARNOLDSWICK and Earby could be in line for a major cash injection to help regeneration.

Barnoldswick has got through the first round in a process that could lead to between £500,000 and £1.5m being secured to provide a wide range of improvements.

Barnoldswick is one of 15 towns in the North West to be selected for the funding scheme operated by the North West Development Agency and the Countryside Agency.

It has been given the green light to undertake a comprehensive "health check" of the town over the next few months, looking at a wide range of issues that affect people's quality of life.

The main topics are environment, economy, social and community and after check, an action plan will be devised to revitalise the towns and surrounding areas. Funding will then be applied for.

A co-ordinator would be appointed for three years to oversee implementation of the initiatives. A full public consultation exercise will be carried out with residents in Barnoldswick as part of the process.

Earby has also been given the green light to develop a Town Plan -- similar to a health check -- which would, depending on the identified needs of the town, allow it to bid for monies from a variety of other sources.

Council leader Azhar Ali said: "This is excellent news for both Barnoldswick and Earby. If we ultimately secure the money available, it will have a massive impact. It will provide better facilities, increase confidence, improve health and transport and generally bring more people into both town centres."

Barnoldswick Forum -- a group of traders, local councillors and residents -- is leading on the initiative. Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade, Barnoldswick Town Council, Pendle Borough Council, the Heritage Trust for the North West, various community associations, the Police and Pendle Community Safety Partnership are all working with the forum.

Coun Ali added: "Pendle Council has decided to recruit a rural development officer to support the rural communities of the Borough, such as Barnoldswick and Earby. This officer will also work to access other potential funding for regeneration initiatives

Barnoldswick councillor Frank Neal said: "I am delighted that Pendle Council is taking positive steps to support rural communities such as West Craven.

"Local councillors have been working closely with the Council to ensure that we have structures in place which bring in much-need investment for local people."