Adverts to cover ‘eyesore’ ex-bank
ADVERTISING hoardings to cover 17 broken and boarded up windows on an “eyesore” former town bank building could be in place for three years.
Rossendale council’s planning committee has granted temporary advertisement consent for the installation of ‘Bacup 2040 Vision’ hoardings to cover temporary boards on the council-owned former Barclays branch at 12 Market Street, Bacup.
The hoardings will be used to display and promote the council’s plans for the town centre and will show maps, photographs, plans and illustrations as well as text.
Last month it was revealed that the Bacup 2040 Vision had been unsuccessful in its bid to the government’s Future High Streets funding pot, however the Board remained defiant about driving the plans forward when possible.
Principal planner Lauren Ashworth told Tuesday’s development control meeting she had been informed that the council’s preferred option remained to see the building - near the council’s market square vision - ultimately demolished.
Coun Terry HaslamJones said: “The demolition of that building was part of the improvement of the town centre - which didn’t get the funding.
“As far as I am concerned the Board are concerned that it’s an ugly building and that if there’s funding then it should be demolished, but there’s nothing definite in the decision that the Board has made so far.”
Coun Jimmy Eaton said: “This is a gateway to the town centre.
“It’s been an eyesore for some time.
“It’s been boarded up and given a lick of paint and looks a lot better.”