COUNCIL bosses have begun talks with the Government to see how they can benefit from the new Northern Way scheme.

It was introduced by the Government in the summer, when eight 'city regions' were created, each of which should get millions of pounds to improve infrastructure.

Blackburn with Darwen was placed with Preston and Blackpool to form the Central Lancashire region.

Now ideas are being drawn up to put to the Government for cash. They would have to demonstrate how the schemes would improve the economy.

Ideas on the table include motorway-standard links from Manchester to Blackburn, possibly upgrading the A65 in the process.

And it is hoped railway links between Manchester and Blackburn can also be improved. Making more of British Aerospace's Samlesbury plant is likely to be high on the agenda as well.

A report to this week's meeting of Blackburn with Darwen's executive board reveals that the ultimate goal is to close the gap between northern and southern economies.

Other aims include tackling high levels of poverty and deprivation.

In his report, regeneration director Adam Scott said: "All council departments, public sector agencies, the private sector and community sectors will be consulted throughout."

Details of the project come just a week after Blackburn was named the enterprise capital of the North West by the Government's North West Development Agency for the work being done to encourage new business growth in the borough.