CIVIC leaders in Lydney are putting together a bid for a £10 million cash injection to jump start the town’s High Street economy.

The Town Council is applying for a share of the £675 pot of money the government has earmarked for town centre regeneration around the UK.

If successful the town centre could be transformed with a central entertainment plaza and revamped bus station area.

The bid is being spearheaded by councillors Alan Preest and Brian Pearman who say Lydney is more than ever at risk with the removal of Severn Bridge Tolls.

Cllr Alan Preest said: “We need to grab this funding opportunity to regenerate the town.

“We need to set up a forum to drive a local scheme forward.

“Part of the problem is that certain landlords have long leases on their properties and in the past have been reluctant to do any major improvements to the buildings and in many cases just leave them empty for it in time to become an eyesore.

“Realistically the regeneration of Lydney needs to be part of a bigger plan for the town and needs the involvement of both Gloucestershire County Council and the Forest of Dean District Council as changes don’t happen overnight.”