Towns vie for Portas help

The TV retail guru recently published a 28-point plan, including a National Market Day, to revive the fortunes of flagging towns.

£1million will be made available by the government to help 12 towns throughout the UK, who will act as pilots for a potential wider scheme by Portas.

Former Pendle Council leader and community campaigner Azhar Ali and Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee Coun. Nadeem Younis have both backed the East Lancashire town’s bid, whilst Elaine Silverwood, head of the Kirkham’s business group, has begun work on the application.