DARWEN residents have been asked to help secure up to £25million in government grants to boost the town.

Already ministers have approved £750,000 to to pay for the full restoration of Darwen Tower, improvements to AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground, upgrading the Junction 4 Skatepark, and a feasibility study for a new elite cricket academy at Darwen Vale as part of a new sports village.

But another £25million is of offer as part of the Darwen Town Deal if a case can be made.

Now the board in charge is asking local people for their ideas for projects,

Chairman of the Darwen Town Deal Board Wayne Wild - group commercial director of WEC Group - said: "We are working really hard on behalf of the residents in Darwen and want to do the very best we can to secure as much of the money as possible.

"What we need now is for residents to volunteer to take part in new focus groups. Due to the restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus, these will need to be held online to keep everyone safe.

"It’s a chance for residents, businesses and representatives from community groups to share their thoughts on what makes Darwen special, what the town means to them and how they use the town centre and the surrounding landscape.

"We will use the feedback as part of the work we’re doing on the investment plan which will be submitted in the early New Year."