ALMOST £10,000 of lottery funding will help transform empty shops in Padiham town centre and help bring them back to life.

The money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will be invested in the properties in Burnley Road and help towards the cost of repair and restoration work to the shop frontages as part of the Padiham Townscape Heritage scheme.

Work has begun and will include the redecoration of the shopfronts including hand painted signage.

Butcher and Sons Ltd is undertaking a comprehensive internal refurbishment to one of the shop units and plans to open an American style diner/restaurant called ‘The Block’ later this month.

The firm opened neighbouring property ‘A Chip off the Old Block’ earlier this year.

John, of Butcher and Sons Ltd said: "Myself, Andrew and Matthew are extremely grateful.

"We think The Block (which will be serving burgers and steaks) will bring a vibrant and enthusiastic ambiance to Padiham town centre."

Cllr Asif Raja, the Burnley Council’s growth boss, said: “We are delighted to support this scheme through Townscape Heritage investment and in welcoming another new business to Padiham. "A high-quality repair and redecoration scheme to the frontages will have a notable impact to the street scape.”