THE new transport interchange planned for Nelson could kick-start vital regeneration of the town centre.

The claim comes from the Lancashire County Council's transport chief after County Hall chose land next to the railway station as the preferred site for the new bus station.

This choice has been backed by Pendle Council.

County Councillor Jean Yates, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said a new bus station would smarten up the centre and bring the area's transport into the 21st century.

She said: "Recent experience of similar projects in Keighley and Burnley shows that wider regeneration and an increased number of new businesses near the bus stations soon follows."

"Given that this site is so central to Nelson it would be ideal for the travelling public and an ideal way to kick-start a new look for the town - a top priority for Lancashire County Council. But she added that building work on the new bus station would cause some disruption in the town centre.

Coun Yates said: "Both councils will be working with local traders and businesses to minimise that.

"We are keen to retain businesses within the town centre and will do whatever we can to that end."

Two other sites in Nelson were considered by the county and borough council and Coun Yates said that while the one adjacent to the train station was the favourite, the other two had similar advantages and would be considered again if anything went wrong with the first choice.

The leader of Pendle Council, Coun Alan Davies, added his support to the preferred site.

He said: "This site makes sense as it is near to the railway station and taxi ranks.

"The bus interchange planned by Lancashire County Council will give an important and welcome boost to Pendle Council's plans to regenerate Nelson town centre."