TRADERS and community campaigners are behind a concerted effort to overhaul Tyldesley’s high street.

If ambitious plans for the town come to fruition, then the Top Chapel and five vacant buildings will become the focus of regeneration efforts.

Tyldesley and neighbouring Wigan town centre will share £3.5m as part of the government’s Historic High Streets Fund.

Earlier this month planning permission was given to convert the grade II listed Top Chapel, which dates back to the late 18th century, into a nursery.

Approval was given for a series of internal alterations for the Elliott Street landmark, which has previously been the subject of a failed bid to turn the building into a multi-purpose community hub.

The application, under Wigan Council’s ‘Deal’ umbrella, was championed by community campaign initiative Driven, backed by Tyldesley Traders Group.

Ian Tomlinson, from Driven, said: “We have been truly surprised by the level of support and endorsement we have received over that last few weeks while we have been working on the application.

“We would not have been able to submit the application without support from the local authority and we thank them for embracing The Deal and helping us to take ownership of our community.

“We are particularly honoured to have the support of Tyldesley Traders Group who share our values in developing the town for the benefit for all.”

Cllr Nazia, a Tyldesley ward councillor and finance cabinet member, said: “It is absolutely fantastic news that Tyldesley is another step closer to receiving this money, which will have a huge positive impact on the local community.

“In line with The Deal, we aim to instil pride and empower our communities, so it’s great that Driven has been so pro-active in submitting this bid.

"We will continue to support them throughout this process.”