Pendle News Room

Draft masterplans for each of the three towns are being developed with your input and ideas on how to best transform what the town centres offer.

Each masterplan will create an individual vision for the towns and local people are being encouraged to get involved to ensure they benefit the whole community.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Colne, Barnoldswick and Earby have not had masterplans before, so this is a fantastic opportunity to create ambitious visions for their future which we hope will boost new investment and development in the towns.

“Throughout the process it’s been important to us that all three masterplans highlight the unique quality and character of each town.

“They will focus on employment opportunities, the retail offer, leisure opportunities, and housing, healthcare and community facilities.

“If our town centres adapt, they can continue to be economic drivers for the borough and help to play a key role in our economic aspirations.

“Input from residents and businesses means that we can shape the towns the way that you want us to, and we look forward to hearing your views.”

OPEN, the design team employed by the Council, is looking at how people travel around the towns and the wider area, how the towns feel for those walking around them and what would create a stronger economy.

It is also exploring what would make a good mix of facilities for local people and visitors alike.

Alongside this, the team is looking at what measures can be taken to address climate change and protect the natural environment.

Engagement events took place in October led by PLACED, an independent engagement team, and the team is now returning to Colne, Barnoldswick and Earby to present their findings and feedback from local people.

Phillip Spurr, Director of Place for Pendle Borough Council, said: “Understanding local people’s priorities is hugely important to us so please come along to our workshops to tell us what you think a masterplan for your town should include.

“We’d also like your feedback on the initial ideas which have been shaped by our previous engagement events.

“We expect there will be a lot of interest in this process, so I would urge everyone interested to book a place if you can.

“The workshops last for two hours, and we’d like people to attend for the whole session if possible.”

• Thursday 13 July, 5.30-7.30pm, Barnoldswick Civic Hall, Station Road, BB18 5NA
• Friday 14 July, 10am-12pm, Linden Community Hall, Earby, BB18 6XR

An event will take place in Colne in August – details are yet to be confirmed.

Visit the Council’s website to book your place and find out more www.pendle.gov.uk/masterplan