MP for Burnley and Padiham, Kitty Ussher, and Burnley Council leader Gordon Birtwistle have described the government's decision to award grant Assisted Area Status to two wards in Burnley and Padiham for the first time ever, as a "massive shot in the arm for local businesses which will help them to expand, modernise and flourish -

encouraging the development of thriving businesses which is great for the future economic prosperity of the Borough."

The borough and in particular Padiham, are set to receive a major economic boost.  The Government announced today that Hapton-with-Park and Gawthorpe wards are earmarked on the Governments Assisted Areas map as areas that can apply for regional financial assistance, once the final rubber stamp of approval is received from senior officials in

Brussels - the European Commission has up to two months to approve the UK government's proposals.

The government's initial proposals in July did not include Burnley, but they agreed to add Burnley to the map following the intervention of the town's MP, Kitty Ussher, in a high level meeting with the Minister for Industry and the Regions, Margaret Hodge, two weeks ago.

This means that companies within these wards can access financial assistance to help towards investment in capital projects such as new buildings or equipment. The area covered includes Network 65 Business Park, and Padiham's Shuttleworth Mead Business Park. Kitty Ussher said:  "I am delighted with the decision, I have been

working hard to get Burnley and Padiham included on the Assisted Areas map, and Burnley businesses in these wards should soon be able to take advantage of this substantial financial support, which will develop the

borough's manufacturing success and competitiveness even further. I firmly believe that manufacturing can succeed in Burnley - now they should find it easier to invest to turn that vision into reality"

Councillor Gordon Birtwistle, leader of Burnley Council, said: "This is excellent news and a real shot in the arm for the economy of Burnley, Padiham and Pennine Lancashire. I welcome Kitty's commitment to the

development of Burnley's businesses which has obviously been influential in getting our Borough on the Assisted Area map."

"Whilst ambitious plans are being laid for new Enterprise and Advanced Manufacturing Business Parks and for the Weavers Triangle, the Government has recognised Burnley`s needs with this announcement which

will complement these ambitious plans.

"As a result of this decision businesses on Network 65 Business Park and Padiham's Shuttleworth Mead Business Parks in particular, can now receive financial support from the Government for their capital investment plans. This is important because, whilst many of these businesses have already made large investments in moving to these parks, now they will be eligible to receive help with the next stage of their growth. Businesses in Padiham itself will also be eligible for support.

"The council`s Regeneration and Economic Development Unit will be contacting relevant businesses when all the details of the scheme are known to encourage take up of this opportunity."

Further information on today's announcement can be found at

http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file34524.pdf

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