THE boss of the Millennium Commission was visiting Hyndburn today - just before a decision on a handout for a £2.6 million multi-cultural community centre is made.

Chief executive Eric Sorensen was looking at plans for the New Era complex, Paradise Street, Accrington

The commission is expected to decide whether to approve a £1.3 million bid for the scheme by November.

The plan is to create a multi-cultural community centre by providing a venue for Asian family events, as well as sports and music facilities for young people.

It would also house a one-stop advice shop for low income families.

Commission officers inspected the site in March, but Mr Sorensen's visit is viewed by organisers as the last hurdle in the scheme's funding bid.

They want to impress the commission's head with detailed plans and by demonstrating local need and support.

The bid is backed by Hyndburn Council, Lancashire County Council, Asian Community Forum, Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Council for Voluntary Services.

Council chief executive Mike Chambers, along with Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, will discuss the development with Mr Sorensen.

He said: "This is a great opportunity to show the chief executive of the Millennium Commission the strengths of this bid to transform New Era into a modern, multi-purpose community centre.

"The potential of the site, together with the level of community support New Era enjoys, will hopefully ensure that Mr Sorensen agrees that this scheme is an investment the Millennium Commission should support."

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