Darwen pushes for £100 million boost

Darwen could be in line for a £100 million boost to the local economy. The Darwen Deal Board is submitting a bid for £25 million from the government as part of their Investment Plan. The plan also hopes to lever in another £75 million from private investment. The plan has been submitted to the government for approval.

£750,000 is already being used to develop community facilities at the Darwen Vale Skate, Park, AFC Darwen and on the Tower restoration.

The plan is looking to:

Invest in the town's Victorian Market; develop new employment sites; complete existing housing developments; invest in ultrafast broadband; improve the parks and paths to the moors; money for Darwen Library and Darwen Theatre.

Liberal Democrat Town Councillor John East, who is on the Darwen Town Deal Board said, "This is a really exciting plan that will be a big boost to Darwen and its economy as well as improving the quality of life for local people."