THE BIDS by three of East Lancashire's councils - Blackburn, Burnley and Pendle - for millions of Euro-cash are ones we must hope to succeed when we discover today what the grants can trigger.

For tagged to Blackburn's bid for £5million from the EU, is a £40million scheme to boost the revival of its town centre as the Brussels money becomes the catalyst for £35million of extra investment.

The project includes a new traffic system for the congested centre, a much-needed revamp of the Darwen Street and railway station area and a multiplex cinema close to the heart of town.

These are all moves that would add to the already-completed steps to modernise the town centre.

Let us hope Europe gives East Lancashire the lift-off for this regeneration.

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