Pendle News Room

Historic England has been allocated £44m to support historic high streets restore and enhance their local character, making them more attractive, engaging and vibrant places.

Expressions of interest have been developed and submitted for Barnoldswick and Colne Town Centres.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “If these expressions of interest get through to the second stage, plans for the towns will be developed more fully.

“Match-funding of between £250,000 and £2m can be applied for to do things like alter and repair buildings, reinstate lost features and improve shared spaces.

“It would be fantastic to be able to invest in our wonderful towns.”

Barnoldswick Town Council’s application includes a proposal to remodel the town square to encourage the popular market to grow as well as boost the events which are currently held there.

It also proposes to include more heritage style street furniture including street lamps and benches as well as renovating the Civic Hall and Rainhall Centre, two of the town’s gateway buildings.

Councillor Tom Whipp, Chairman of Barnoldswick Town Council, said: “Barnoldswick has so much to offer but we want to make more of the night time economy by improving the town square and attracting more evening events.

“We’ve already got £100,000 for work to the town square but we hope to be able to tap into this funding so we can do even more!”

Meanwhile, Colne Business Improvement District's application for Colne, proposes to bring forward up to £2m of improvements. This includes the redevelopment of the former health centre on Albert Road, updated shop fronts, new street furniture and bus shelters, as well as improving the historic elements of the conservation area.

Stuart Wilson, Chairman of Colne BID, said: “Many of our proposals are about getting the business community involved so that everyone can take pride in our fantastic town whilst making some improvements which are in keeping with the historic area.”