Two West Craven wards could receive a big boost.
The Government has announced that the map of UK areas entitled to potential funding for jobs and economic growth should be re-drawn to include 12 areas of Pendle, including Earby and Barnoldswick’s Coates ward.
Pendle Council and local MP Andrew Stephenson have been lobbying ministers for key parts of Pendle to get Assisted Area Status.
“Previously the map had included parts of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Burnley but not Pendle,” said Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council. “We put together a strong economic case for Pendle and it’s worked. The proposed map now includes 12 Pendle wards.”
Mr Stephenson said: “I’m delighted that ministers have listened to the case we made. Assisted Area Status would be a real boost to jobs and growth in Pendle.
“But it’s not a done deal and I will be working hard to ensure that these parts of Pendle remain in the new map at the end of the current consultation.”
The consultation runs until Friday, February 7, and a final map will be submitted to the European Commission for approval in March.
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