BURNLEY has been given the go-ahead to bid for a £25 million share of Government cash aimed at breathing new life to deprived areas.

Success in the new Challenge Fund scheme would give the town its biggest ever regeneration boost, providing major housing, environment and new jobs initiatives.

The overall aim is to tackle social deprivation with large scale improvement plans.

Burnley deputy council leader Rafique Malik said although Burnley was officially listed as only the 65th most deprived area in the country, it had was one of just 50 authorities invited to bid for the regeneration cash.

He said: "We have in Burnley one or two areas of much higher than average deprivation and that has allowed us to take part in the process.

"We welcome the opportunity and Burnley will definitely be making a bid to tackle social exclusion in the town.

"It it a major opportunity to improve the quality of life in the town."

The Government initiative is the fifth round of the Single Regeneration Budget, formerly the Challenge Fund.

The aim is to set up 50 comprehensive regeneration schemes over several bidding rounds of £20-25 million.

Burnley is in the first round and must put in an outline bid by the end of November.

The North West Regional Development Agency will announce final decisions in June 1999, providing the go-ahead for immediate implementation of projects.

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