Work on a town square dedicated to the Accrington Pals is set to get under way in 2016 as part of a £3m masterplan for Accrington.

The Observer revealed last week that the town has secured the major cash injection to create a new town square and revamp shop fronts - to be completed within five years.

The plans have met with a mixed reception in the town, with comments pouring into the Observer’s Facebook site.

The area outside the town hall looks set to be pedestrianised and transformed into a town square and could include some seating for public events.

A ‘subtle’ tribute to the Accrington Pals will also be incorporated into the area.

Meanwhile, 13 buildings along Blackburn Road will be cleaned and restored with traditional features such as sash windows, period shop fronts and signage in a bid to preserve and enhance the town’s historic character.

Helen McCue Melling, the council’s regeneration and property manager, said the work is due to begin in 2016 following public consultation and must be completed by 2019.

She said: “The new town square outside of these shops will further that enhancement which we hope will create conditions that will see empty shops and upper floors brought back into use and encourage footfall.

“Whatever the detail, this is a great investment and opportunity to put Accrington back on the map, restore amazing buildings to their former glory, revitalise the local economy and restore the civic pride felt all those years ago.”

Council bosses say the new town square is not likely to include a war memorial dedicated to the Pals as there are already several throughout the borough.

Instead, the dedication will be ‘subtle and forward thinking’.

The area outside the town hall will only be pedestrianised once Accrington’s new £6.4m bus station - which was given the go ahead following a public consultation - has been relocated to Crawshaw Street.

Conservative leader Coun Peter Britcliffe has questioned the closure of areas to traffic to create a town square, claiming it could “cut off the market’s life blood”.