Leader of the Council, Alyson Barnes, monthly update March 2025
It’s a very busy time for the council, we are delivering millions of pounds worth of investment across the borough, things like revamping the market in Haslingden, a vital part of the 2040 Vision for Haslingden. We can expect the market to re-open next week with all but two of the stalls full. Work to Upper Deardengate – making part of the street one way and creating a useable public space will start in the Spring.
The renovation work at Rawtenstall market, is currently out to tender. The temporary market is being located on the town square for the next 12 months. Thanks to all the traders for their input and supporting our fab team who are delivering this activity – this is very much appreciated. The Town Board is also picking up on the need for more activity for young people to help to address anti-social behaviour issues in Rawtenstall and Waterfoot. We know this is an issue throughout the borough.
In Waterfoot plans are being drawn up to help realise a space for community use and ideas are being explored to secure local art works for the town and activity is being developed on Trickett’s Arcade with the site owners.
In Bacup the council is reviewing its market designs with a view to getting more out of the funds that have been secured from government to regenerate parts of the town centre. We want to see the market redeveloped but also to see more done to enhance the town centre generally and to finally address some of the large empty buildings in the town – something I think most people familiar with Bacup would welcome.
Work to the gyratory in Rawtenstall is also progressing. Lancashire County Council have now completed phase one of this project and are now involved in delivering phase two. This has resulted in the filter lane to Bacup Road being taken out. We are being assured by Lancashire’s Highways Team that once work on the whole scheme is complete this change should not result in further traffic build up, only time will tell but we will keep a close eye on this.
Change is never easy, especially when it impacts on daily life. Whether it's roadworks, regeneration projects, or service changes, the short-term disruption can feel annoying, and I don’t underestimate the patience it requires from all of you. The reality is that many of these projects are about creating lasting and long-term benefits - investments that will improve our infrastructure, public spaces, and services for years to come. However, getting to that point can be difficult, and I appreciate that, right now, it may feel like the challenges outweigh the benefits.
One of the biggest difficulties we face as a council is balancing the immediate needs of our residents with the need to future-proof our borough. Funding constraints, regulatory hurdles, and the sheer scale of delivering major projects mean that things don’t always move as quickly or as smoothly as we would like. I can assure you, though, that every decision we make is driven by the desire to improve life for our communities. Not just for today, but for future years to come.
I want to thank you for your patience and resilience as we work through these challenges. Your feedback is important to us, and we are listening. Where possible, we are adjusting to ease the burden, and we will continue to keep you informed of progress.
In the months ahead, we will continue to push forward with initiatives that will enhance our town centres, improve transport links, and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. These are difficult times, but we remain focused on the future - a future where our borough is a better place to live, work, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support. We will get through these challenges together and as ever if you wish to contact me you can do so by calling 07817 414248 or emailing alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk.