By Jonathan Grieve

POTENTIAL uses for Government cash to revitalise town centre streets in Nelson have been revealed.

The proposals will be discussed by the newly-formed Nelson Town Deal Board to decide which should be put forward for an investment plan.

Julie Whittaker, housing, health and engineering services manager, said: “It is proposed that at the next meeting the board considers proposals for projects and activities across Nelson that could be included in an Investment Plan.

“There should then be a prioritisation exercise undertaken by the board at that meeting to decide which proposals are developed further.

“As this will be a Town ‘Deal’ the government will expect some projects/activities to be delivered by partners outside of the requirements for support from Towns Fund, either by local partners or other agencies e.g. Homes England support for bringing forward housing sites.”

Among the items for consideration as part of the town deal investment are the refurbishment and redevelopment of the town centre to include more housing.

Councillors will also consider acquiring the Riverside Mill site in Bradley with a view to redeveloping it for residential and commercial use, as well as increasing parking provision in Nelson town centre to encourage businesses to take up a base in the town.

The Towns Fund prospectus provides information to councils for 100 places in England chosen to pioneer Town Deals.

They will receive a share of £16.4 million capacity funding to kick-start their innovative plans and bring their communities together.

In East Lancashire, Darwen and Nelson will have the opportunity to bid for funding worth up to £25 million as part of the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

The funding could be used to redevelop vacant buildings and land, drive private sector investment by supporting small businesses and ensure young people have the skills they need to get good jobs.

Communities will also be able to consider how they can boost their transport links and increase access to high-speed broadband.