TWO Accrington buildings will be lit up to coincide with work on the next phase of the town square.

The historic town hall and market hall, will be lit up when work on the town square begins in autumn.

The newly designed square, which was approved in February last year, will commemorate the role of the Accrington Pals in the First World War’s Battle of the Somme.

Additions set to be added to the square include six duckboard benches honouring the history of the town and three small sculptures paying tribute to the Pals battalion, the industrial past of the town and Accrington Stanley.

Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said: “Work on the town square is progressing well and we’re looking forward to the next phase, when a lighting scheme will be installed to show off the beautiful historic facades of the town hall and market hall, two of our most iconic buildings.

"Work on the town square has already put these magnificent listed buildings centre stage and the lighting scheme will enhance them even more.

"During the next phase large planters will also be installed along with benches, all adding to the ambience of the new town square.”

He added; “The council’s townscape heritage officer is in contact with shop owners in the area who are eligible to apply for a 90 per cent grant to improve their properties, and we hope they will take full advantage of this, so that we’ll see improvements to the properties opposite the town hall, market hall and along Blackburn Road over the next few months.”

Cllr Parkinson added: “We’re really looking forward to seeing the town square completed, ready for the official opening on November 10 and to see it hosting a range of events and activities in the future.”