Launderette gets town in a spin
AN outdoor launderette on a main town centre street has got Haslingden residents in a lather.
Nearly 550 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of the large al fresco washers, which appeared outside the Nisa Extra convenience store on Deardengate in Haslingden last week.
Many have hit out at the spinners - which can be used for 24 hours a day - saying they are an eyesore and could put tourists off visiting the town.
But the manager of the Nisa shop has defended his ‘beautiful’ launderette, telling the Free Press he would remove it if people do not use it.
Bobby Miah, who started the petition, said it would detract from the area.
He added: “It’s spoiling the image of Haslingden, will attract more vandals and deter tourists away from our town.”
Ramat Khan, who has lived in Haslingden all his life, said that local business are up in arms.
He said: “I am not happy with this launderette - we need this gone. Who would want to wash their washing outside?
“I have mates across the road who have their own businesses and they are not happy.
“We have established launderette businesses in town to wash duvet and clothes. I can’t see it being successful.”
However, Nisa branch manager Liaqat Ali said that the machine did not require planning permission and was installed to provide a better service for the centre of Haslingden.
Mr Ali said that the £40,000 machine was temporary - and if it upset the community it could be removed.
He said: “I only did it for the purpose of giving a service for the public, it’s only a temporary thing.
“I haven’t done it to make a profit, I just did it to give a service for the local people.
“If people don’t use it, it’s going to be taken away.
“It was my idea, I didn’t know people were going to be upset about this.
“I thought it would be a benefit.”
Mr Ali said the negative response had been “disappointing.”
He said: “I am not here to upset people. But it’s a beautiful thing, it looks really nice.
“I don’t know why people are reacting to it like this.”
A spokesperson for Rossendale council said: “The council’s Planning Enforcement Section has been made aware of the outdoor launderette in Haslingden and is currently investigating the matter.”
The ‘Revolution’ machine has the capacity to wash up to 18 kilograms of dirty laundry in just 30 minutes.
‘I only did it for the purpose of giving a service for the public’