PLANS to turn Hyndburn into a tourist hotspot could receive a boost if a bid for European funding is successful.

Hyndburn Council is putting together a claim for cash from the European Regional Development Fund to help provide more attractions for tourists.

The money would also be used to support the Great Days Out in Accrington initiative, which was first suggested at a meeting of the Accrington Centre Regeneration Assembly last month. Under the initiative, day-trippers could be bussed into the town once the redeveloped market is completed later this year.

They would be encouraged to visit some of the area's top attractions, including the Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington Town Hall and Oswaldtwistle Mills, which pulls in more than one million visitors every year. A heritage centre could also be set up, featuring an Accrington Pals memorial and an exhibition of the history of the textile trade.

Bill Huntly, town centre manager, said: "It is very early days yet. We're still looking at the different ideas that could be incorporated into the bid.

"It would raise awareness of the town and what it has to offer. It would also encourage more spending in the shops and take-up of leisure activities such as the cinema and the bowling alley. We have a rich industrial heritage, a soon-to-be-completed, re-vamped market and some of the finest independent retailers in Lancashire - not to mention the free parking and friendly service."

Councillor Mrs Jean Battle, deputy leader of the council, said: "We have got lots to offer. This new market will give the town a boost and the bid will regenerate our economy."

  • See this week's Observer for more