BARNOLDSWICK says it has ‘seized with both hands’ an opportunity to build on its cultural activities in its town square.

The town council has put together a £200,000 ‘fighting fund’ to carry out improvements to the area, which is the location for a variety of events, including the annual four day music festival, Bands On The Square, and now there are hopes it could tap into funding from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones project.

£44 million has been allocated to support historic high streets restore and enhance their character, making them more attractive, engaging and vibrant places, and Pendle Council has developed and submitted ‘expressions of interest’ for both Barnoldswick and Colne.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “If these expressions of interest get through to the second stage, plans for the towns will be developed more fully.

“Match-funding of between £250,000 and £2million can be applied for to do things like alter and repair buildings, reinstate lost features and improve shared spaces. It would be fantastic to be able to invest in our wonderful towns.”

Barnoldswick Town Council’s application includes a proposal to remodel the town square to encourage the popular market to grow as well as boost events.

It also proposes to include more heritage style street furniture including street lamps and benches as well as renovating the Civic Hall and Rainhall Centre, two of the town’s gateway buildings.

Councillor Tom Whipp, chairman of Barnoldswick Town Council, said: “Barnoldswick has so much to offer but we want to make more of the night time economy by improving the town square and attracting more evening events.

“We’ve already got £100,000 for work to the town square but we hope to be able to tap into this funding so we can do even more.”

Cllr Whipp added: “ The bid for High Street Heritage Action Zone funding aims to multiply this money tenfold extending the work to more streets and including property repairs and bringing empty buildings back into use. We’re hoping for just over a million pounds of grant funding to match money raised over a four-year period.

“If we’re given the green light, the scheme will build on Barnoldswick’s lively cultural activities with expanded activities on the Town Square and in venues. It’s hoped we can also include the refurbishment of a church organ in a grade 2 star listed building for performances.It’s a fantastic opportunity to build on Barnoldswick’s great heritage which we’ve seized with both hands.”