In a major boost for Lancashire towns, 75 towns across the country, including Darwen, Accrington, Burnley, Rawtenstall, and Nelson, have been selected to receive £20m funding under the Long Term Plan for Towns. The initiative, launched by the previous Conservative government, aims to revitalize and transform town centers, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Each town board, comprising a mix of elected and unelected members, including local business owners, will have the autonomy to decide how to allocate the funding over a 10-year period. This is in addition to existing town deals, such as the £100m Darwen Town Deal, which has already seen significant investment in the town.
The new town boards have been tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for their respective towns, focusing on issues such as reviving high streets, tackling anti-social behavior, and improving transport and connectivity. The plans will be shaped by input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders, who are being consulted on how the funds should be spent.
In Darwen, the town board is seeking ideas on how to allocate the £20m funding, with suggestions ranging from improving the town’s infrastructure to enhancing its cultural and recreational offerings. The town’s £100m Town Deal has already seen significant investment in the town’s regeneration, including the development of a new town center and the creation of a community hub.
Accrington, meanwhile, has been a key focus of the government’s efforts, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visiting the town in January to pledge his commitment to the initiative. The town’s board is expected to prioritize projects that will improve the town’s connectivity, enhance its cultural offerings, and support local businesses.
Burnley’s town board has been lobbying for neighboring Padiham, Hapton, and Cliviger to be incorporated into their town board footprint, with the aim of creating a more cohesive and connected community.
Rawtenstall, meanwhile, has already approved a master-plan for the town, which will focus on improving the town’s “gyratory” road system, reviving Rawtenstall Market, and enhancing the town’s bus services. The plan also includes proposals for the development of Valley of Stone cycle routes, the Hall Carr estate, and design work for Bank Street.
In Pendle, the new Nelson Long Term Town Plan Board is chaired by Claire Bennett, chief executive of Positive Action in the Community. Speaking about the initiative, she said: “Nelson’s Long Term Plan provides the community with a significant opportunity to be the real driving force in tackling issues such as reviving the high street, tackling anti-social behavior, and improving transport and connectivity. It’s important we continue to develop our investment plan so that it’s ready for the government’s new deadline.”
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been invited to provide input on how Nelson’s funds should be spent, with ideas including reviving vacant and historic buildings, creating a town center cafe scene, and strengthening community spirit.
Cllr Asjad Mahmood, Independent leader of Pendle Council, said: “Through the Nelson Long Term Plan, we can build on the good work which is already underway to transform Nelson through the existing town deal. This is a unique opportunity for our community to come together and shape the future of our town.”
The government will confirm the next steps once the plans are submitted, with the aim of delivering tangible improvements to the towns and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The Long Term Plan for Towns has the potential to bring significant benefits to the towns and communities involved. By providing a dedicated funding stream, the plan will enable towns to tackle the issues that matter most to them, from improving transport and connectivity to enhancing cultural and recreational offerings.
The plan will also provide a platform for local communities to come together and shape the future of their towns. By involving residents, businesses, and stakeholders in the planning process, the plan will ensure that the needs and aspirations of the community are at the heart of decision-making.
Furthermore, the plan will provide a boost to local economies, by supporting the development of new businesses and initiatives, and by creating jobs and opportunities for local people.
While the Long Term Plan for Towns presents a significant opportunity for Lancashire towns, there are also challenges ahead. One of the key challenges will be ensuring that the funding is allocated effectively, and that the plans developed by the town boards are realistic and achievable.
Another challenge will be balancing the needs and aspirations of different stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and local authorities. This will require effective communication and collaboration, as well as a willingness to compromise and find common ground.
Finally, there may be challenges in terms of securing the long-term sustainability of the plans developed by the town boards. This will require a commitment to ongoing investment and support, as well as a willingness to adapt and evolve the plans as circumstances change.
The Long Term Plan for Towns presents a significant opportunity for Lancashire towns to revitalize and transform their town centers, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents. By providing a dedicated funding stream, the plan will enable towns to tackle the issues that matter most to them, and to develop plans that are shaped by the needs and aspirations of the community.
While there are challenges ahead, the potential benefits of the plan are significant, and it is an opportunity that should not be missed. By working together, and by being willing to adapt and evolve, Lancashire towns can create a brighter future for themselves and for future generations.