Pendle Partnership celebrates regeneration success

And it got off to a great start.

The Partnership and local schools came together to hear from Miles Hilton-Barber - a speaker with an exceptional story.

Miles lost his sight in his early 20s but he hasn't let that hold him back. He's achieved some amazing feats - which are all the more amazing when you consider his blindness.

He's the first blind person to walk to the South Pole, the first blind pilot to complete a microlight flight from London to Sydney and much more besides.

Councillor John David, Chairman of Pendle Partnership, said: "Miles was great to listen to and very funny.

"He certainly was inspirational and showed us that you can achieve anything, if you put your mind to it and have the right people around you - much like Pendle Partnership!"

Later in the day the Partnership heard that since 1999, 125 projects with a value of £85.5m have been delivered across Pendle thanks to SRB 6.

This staggering figure is made up of £17m from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) via the Northwest Development Agency and match-funding from individual projects.

SRB 6 is the fourth Single Regeneration Budget programme delivered by the Partnership.

Councillor David explained that Pendle had two of the most deprived areas in the country - central Nelson and Brierfield.

He said: "Skilled jobs were being lost and some were being replaced by low skilled and low paid jobs - this meant there were fewer opportunities for residents.

"We had a duty to respond to this and by bidding for SRB 6 funding we aimed to reverse this decline." SRB 6 funded a number of key developments in Pendle including: 

• Arts, Culture and Enterprise (ACE) Centre
• Wavelengths extension
• State-of-the-art bus and rail interchange
• Yarnspinners  Primary Health Care Centre
• Brierfield Cyber Café
• Brierfield Children's Centre
• Colne Children's Centre

Other projects included Business Start-up, Pendle Community Credit Union, Safe as Houses, Welfare Rights and Environmental Action Group.

Together the 125 projects helped to create more than 2, 700 jobs and safeguard almost 2,000.

They've also helped to:  

• improve the quality of life for residents
• create a competitive and sustainable community
• encourage residents to develop skills and have the confidence to access jobs
• improve residents' health
• deliver homes fit for the 21st century
• improve the environment and promote a healthy community
• reduce crime rates and create a greater sense of confidence in the area.

Ged Acton from consultancy firm ERS which carried out an evaluation on the success of the scheme said: "Key projects will leave a lasting, physical legacy for the Pendle.

"The ACE Centre, bus and rail interchange, Yarnspinners and Wavelengths have all significantly enhanced the physical renewal of the area. 

"They promote a more positive physical image within the central business area, increasing its vitality."

Councillor David added: "Since Pendle Partnership was created in 1994, we've brought in a staggering £182.5m into the borough. This is a tremendous achievement and I congratulate everyone on their hard work.

"SRB 6 in particular will leave a lasting legacy to Pendle for many years to come!"

Paul Hussey Chief Executive's Policy Unit Manager, said: "It is incredible to learn how much Pendle Partnership has achieved over the years.

"It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all partners and I'm looking forward to being a part if it.

"When we heard from two of the projects which received funding we got an insight into what a difference they've made to the lives of Pendle people.

"Thanks to SRB 6 Pendle Leisure Trust has opened a fantastic spa, gym and entertainments facility in Nelson, rivalling those in nearby towns and cities.

"And Pendle Community Credit Union, which now has nearly 3, 400 members, has loaned £1.5m to residents and it's helping them to save too, with around £1.5 million in savings!"

Paul joined Pendle Council on Monday 23 November. He was previously Head of Policy at Knowsley Council and prior to that he was a public sector consultant providing advice on corporate change and transformation.

He replaces George Dodds who has moved to Government Office North East as Deputy Regional Director - Local Government Partnerships and Place.