Traders hit back at project delays

BIANCA MURRAY

TRADERS have hit out at ongoing £2m restoration works carried out in Bacup.

The Pioneer Building Clock Tower in the town has been restored as part of the Bacup Townscape Heritage Initiative.

But works on phase one of the project are running behind schedule and businesses in the building say a number of issues still need to be addressed around final fittings, fixtures and signage.

Christine Dyason, from Icing on the Cake in the Pioneer Building, said she initially thought the project would be great, but expectations have not been met.

She said: “We don’t have any signage up at the moment so people who don’t know where we are and deliveries can’t find us. We were told we wouldn’t be able to have our own signage back and that it all has to be in keeping with the building.

“We were told underneath the windows were going to be tiled, but they’ve just been painted.”

She added: “We’ve all got issues at the moment, we were really upbeat about it to begin with and we thought it was going to be great for the business, but there are still a lot of things that need to be addressed.”

Gary Haworth, from Wishes Galore, said: “There are still a lot of think we’re going in the right direction.”

A report was presented at a meeting of Rossendale council earlier this month.

It said: “Although substantial positive work has been delivered, the project is currently behind schedule, and careful attention will be needed to close out phase one and understand how to learn lessons from that in improving the delivery of stage two.”

Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said: “Works are still going on at the Pioneer building and these works are part of a snagging list that the contractor is working through and we will be monitoring this closely to ensure everything is signed off.” ●● Dale Connearn (inset) believes works on the Pioneer building (above) are on track A DOMINOS pizza chain is set to open in Haslingden after planning chiefs approved a change of use at the site.

Proposals to turn a vacant shop at 67 Deardengate into a takeaway were granted by Rossendale council.

In his supporting statement, applicant Mr Josh Rose said a 20-year lease had been agreed with the landlord and it would be occupied by their franchisee Dominos subletting.

The fit out of the shop is expected to cost around £250,000 with about 30 full and part time jobs created.

A petition was received from a Haslingden town centre pizza proprietor signed by the owners and employees of 13 hot food takeaways, a second petition with 65 signatures was also received.

The application was approved by a majority.