People urged to have say on future

A VALLEY town’s residents and visitors are being urged to have their say on its future before it’s too late.

Haslingden 2040 is on a mission to “unlock the town’s potential” and become a destination for countryside explorers, shoppers and food lovers alike.

Rossendale council has successfully secured a first stage of development supported by The

National Lottery Heritage Fund. The phase one funds will transform Upper and Lower Deardengate, as well as parts of Manchester and Blackburn Road.

To help shape the work carried out, the group needs the help of residents and visitors to fill out a short survey. The results will be used to help secure future bids for funding.

You can take part by visiting www. haslingden2040.co.uk and completing the short survey. The closing date for responses is

September 25.

Council leader Alyson Barnes, who chairs the Haslingden Strategic Board, said: “The plans that have been proposed for Haslingden town centre within the Haslingden 2040 Vision and Masterplan offer real potential to support not just the existing shops and businesses but also to attract new investment into the town.

“I believe it will lead to Haslingden town centre becoming much more attractive for residents and a popular location for visitors to Rossendale.

“Please look closely at the plans that are proposed, complete the survey and provide feedback. We need your help.”

The council said the vision is to make more money available for creative, leisure and independent businesses, more support for start-ups, and make Haslingden accessible for all.

A spokesperson added: “It also wants to create spaces for events and for people to meet and socialise, reconnecting Haslingden with music, nature art and the countryside and showcase it as the unique town that it is.

“Overall, it wants to make sure that

Haslingden is a safe place to live and work. After phase one is complete in Spring 2021, Haslingden 2040 will focus efforts on giving out grant funding, restoring buildings, highways improvements and developing Cockerill’s Square.”

The group also plan to have public art throughout the town centre between now and 2026.