A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to regenerate Farnworth town centre has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Members of the planning committee voted unanimously to allow developers St Modwen permission to dig up the centre of Farnworth and plough up to £10 million into its redevelopment.

Under the plans, a new shopping parade will be created between Brackley Street and King Street, with space for six new shops and a first floor gym.

There will also be improvement to the open space surrounding the precinct, Farnworth Market and the bus station, including better pavements, benches, bins and trees.

Cllr Jean Gillies, who is not a member of the planning committee, attended to praise the applicants and urge members to approve the plans.

She said: “I really want to welcome this application. I’m extremely proud to represent Farnworth, and we have had a number of developers who have promised the earth and not come up with the goods.”

She added: “I feel we were very lucky for St Modwen’s to pick Farnworth as one of their projects.”

The redevelopment of the area will mean the loss of the market, but in a report to councillors officers justified the decision on the grounds the area was run down and not well used during most of the week.

The council, however, have arranged that demountable stalls for market traders will be put on Brackley Street.

Cllr Norman Critchley, who grew up in Farnworth, voted to approve the application which he says could kickstart the regeneration of the town.

He said: “When I was a child that area was the hub of Farnworth, and it has unfortunately received some bad press.

“It’s really a great area and I am absolutely delighted that we have got this development – it needs it so I wish it every success.”

The Bolton News revealed this week that transport bosses are looking to improve the road network in Farnworth, as part of the £40 million Bolton to Salford corridor project.

As part of the plans, there will be improvements to Manchester Road between Farnworth and Bolton town centre, Market Street and King Street in Farnworth town centre and the A666 between Farnworth and Kearsley.