Excitement at plans for third micropub

CHARLOTTE GREEN

RAWT E N S TA L L could be in line for another micropub with new plans drawn up to transform an office into a drinking establishment.

The proposals for the town’s third high street micropub have been wel- comed as part of a successful drive towards regeneration.

The application, which has been submitted to Rossendale council by Ramsbottom resident Mike Jones, proposes to convert a vacated former office on Bury Road - which previously housed ●● Mike Jones, who has submitted an application to open a new micropub in Rawtenstall local charity Positive Action in the Community and an Age UK charity shop.

The town’s first micropub, Hop, opened on Bank Street last December, while in June another micropub venture at the former AB’s furniture store, by Rawtenstall market was approved.

Mr Jones, 53, came up with the idea of opening the bar with his wife Amanda after working part-time at the Irwell Works Brewery, in Ramsbottom.

He said: “Micropubs are a growing phenomenon. We are not trying to compete, we are trying to complement what’s already here. Rawtenstall has got a lot of growing to do yet.

“I have worked in Rawtenstall since 1984 and this is the first time where everybody seems to be optimistic about things for the town - it’s great that we’re at the start of that.”

Longholme councillor Steve Hughes said it was ‘fantastic’ that a successful evening economy was emerging in the town.

He said: “I think within the council there is a vision for Rawtenstall fundamentally around the evening and nightlife economy and a realisation that we needed to kickstart that, and I think this is testament to that getting going. I think it brings an element of uniqueness to the area when you have got small local businesses offering something differ- ent and a bit quirky.

“I am really excited that it’s becoming that kind of place. With the bar opening by the market, and this new plan it shows that people are starting to cap- italise on the success of places like Hop in Rawtenstall, which is great news for the town.”

David Gould, chairman of the Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, said: “If these places attract people in and they notice some of the businesses around there it could end up having a positive impact and pulling people into the town.

“High streets are changing but I am very pleased that we’re adapting and there is this level of confidence in Rawtenstall, and we’re attracting these new businesses.”