AN ACTION plan for improvements to Accrington town centre over the next 12 months has been launched, following a walkabout by councillors, traders, shoppers and regeneration officials.

More than 30 people braved wind and rain to spend more than two hours walking around the town centre, pinpointing problems which need to be rectified and being updated on progress over the past year.

The town centre tour, part of a monthly town centre regeneration committee meeting, took more than two-and-a-half hours and incorporated most of the town centre.

It is the second time such a walk has been held.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe, chairman of the town centre regeneration committee, said: "These walks prove to be very constructive because not only do they show where the town centre has improved but where further improvements can be made.

"After the walk, we all discussed what we had noticed."

Several users of Accrington's new shopmobility scheme joined the party, driving special scooters. They pointed out to town centre chiefs where access could be improved. "It is very positive, because we are getting all opinions which can only be a good thing as we strive to create a better, viable Accrington for everyone."

People taking part in the walk praised the owners of the new Bailey's cafe bar on the corner of Church Street and Home Street for the sensitive way they have restored the building, ensuring it adds to the appeal of the existing conservation area.

Council officers also promised that they would be working as hard as possible to make sure the Abbey Grange area is improved, with the Victorian Arcade becoming a vital link between the Grange area and the new market development.

Full details of the new market development and the proposed leisure complex off Moreton Street will be unveiled in the coming weeks, walkers were promised.

The next meeting of the Town Centre Regeneration Committee takes place on October 5.