Green light for Rawtenstall Masterplan as council secures funding

Rossendale Borough Council has approved the Rawtenstall Masterplan after securing up to £20m in funding over the next ten years through the government's Long Term Plan for Towns.

The Masterplan projects, relating to the gyratory system, Rawtenstall Market and Rawtenstall Connected, are closely linked with other projects in the area being delivered by Lancashire County Council.

These include Bus Service Improvement works in Bacup Road and St Mary’s Way; Valley of Stone Greenway cycle routes, Hall Carr estate and Stage 2 design for Bank Street. Lancashire County Council will consult both online and face-to-face on some of these plans throughout the next few weeks.

Key themes were identified following public consultations and drop-in sessions which were attended by hundreds of residents, retailers, market traders and other commercial and professional businesses. They are: Getting around town; linking communities; opportunities for development; and a greener town.

The £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding is focused on the core areas of Rawtenstall, Crawshawbooth and Waterfoot and will be spread over a 10-year period subject to the submission of an investment plan which will be formulated by the recently created Town Board.

Overall authority for decision-making on the investment plan will be Rossendale Council’s Cabinet.

In addition to the vision for Rawtenstall, £300,000 UK SPF has been allocated to reinvigorating the business environment in Waterfoot. Engagement on the Waterfoot Masterplan will take place throughout the summer.

Picture shows: The new Rawtenstall Town Board. Left to right: Jodie Oatway, Jaid Flatley, David Gould, Lynn Smith, Deyrick Allen, Constable Chris Mckee, County Councillor Scott Smith, Peter Terry, Andy Schofield, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council Alyson Barnes, Chair Iain Taylor, David Smurthwaite, Stephen Anderson, Rachael Gildert.