AN organisation heading the rejuvenation of a run-down area of Accrington is urging residents to speak up and say what they want.

The Accrington, Church and Great Harwood Partnership is a key member of the group responsible for spending the £8 million of government Single Regeneration Bid money given Hyndburn earlier this month.

The group plans to concentrate its efforts on the Blackburn Road corridor -- home to dozens of empty buildings, many of which are derelict.

They want to hear from people living in the Blackburn Road area before launching feasibility studies into various projects under consideration.

One such project involves transforming the road -- one of the main thoroughfares into Accrington -- into a global cuisine centre, along the lines of Manchester's Curry Mile.

But County Councillor Jean Battle, chairman of the partnership, said: "Our partnership was set up to get local people involved in making their areas better, so I am extending the challenge to everyone -- let us know what you want.

"There are lots of empty shops and properties going to waste at the moment. Surely people have ideas as to how they could be used.

"We are hoping to use a slice of the £8 million to improve Blackburn Road, which is a gateway into Accrington and one we should all be able to be proud of. "There is great potential there and I want to see everyone playing a part in developing the road."

Coun Battle, with partnership manager Solat Chaudhry and partnership member Roy Hyland, toured the road this week to look at some of the area's problems.

Mr Chaudhry said: "The views of local people will play a major part in what happens here, especially when we start our feasibility study.

"We want everyone to have their say. We want our plans to benefit everyone."

The partnership was set up by Lancashire County Council, under their Building Better Communities programme to get local people involved in making life better in their areas.

It focuses on the most deprived areas of Accrington, Church and Great Harwood.

If you want your say, contact 01254 385522.

Picture: The rejuvenators Solat Chaudhry, Coun Jean Battle and Roy Hyland.