People have big say on town’s future

THE period Haslingden Masterplan has closed.

Rossendale council successfully secured funding for a first stage of development supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The phase one funds consultation for 2040 now will transform Upper and Lower Deardengate as well as parts of Manchester Road and Blackburn Road.

To help shape the work carried out and to demonstrate local support, the group asked for help from residents and visitors by filling out a short survey.

The survey results will be used to help secure future bids for funding and help shape the future vision of the town.

Council leader Alyson Barnes, who also chairs the Haslingden Strategic Board, said: “We are extremely pleased with the response we got from people in such a short space of time.

“It has been great to see such a big response to the online survey as it’s vital that local people have their say and play their part in shaping the plans for Haslingden.

“Even with the COVID restrictions we were able to hold two social distanced consultation events in the town centre.

“Now the consultation process is completed, all the information and views gathered will be put together and understood to generate a picture of what changes, if any, are required to bring the masterplan in line with public thinking.”

The council say the plans offer real potential to support not just the existing shops and businesses but also to attract new investment into the town.

Coun Barnes added: “The Haslingden 2040 vision is to make more money available for creative, leisure and independent businesses, more support for start-ups, and make Haslingden accessible for all.

“We’d also like 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.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund marks the start of funding bids for Haslingden, as the council looks to develop projects within the Haslingden Masterplan, such as a landscaped pocket park centred around a statue of inventor William Cockerill behind shops on Higher

Deardengate, linking to the town’s market.

A report on the findings from the public consultation will be delivered to the Haslingden Strategic board and a final bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund will be submitted in spring 2021.

People can still give feedback and views to the project team via the council’s website or emailing haslingden2040@rossendalebc.gov.uk .