Leader of the Council, Alyson Barnes, July update
Like many people across Rossendale, I have been deeply moved by the recent tragedy at Rawtenstall Cemetery. It’s the kind of thing that touches the whole community, and I can’t help but think about the family at such a harrowing time. At times like this, it’s important that we all show kindness, sensitivity and respect, particularly in allowing the family space and privacy as they grieve.
As a council, we are fully cooperating with all investigations, and we will continue to do everything we can to support that process.
Regeneration can sometimes feel like one of those buzzwords that gets bandied around by politicians, but here in Rossendale, it really means something. It’s about breathing new life into our towns, supporting local businesses, and making our borough a better place to live and work. And we’re now starting to see the real impact of that work.
That’s why it’s so encouraging to now be seeing real progress in places like Haslingden, where vacancy rates in the town centre have dropped significantly. The improvements to Haslingden Market and wider regeneration work led by the council have helped bring in new businesses and create a more attractive, welcoming place for people to visit and invest in. It’s taken time and commitment, and there’s still more to do, but it’s a clear sign that this type of long-term thinking pays off.
We’re moving forward with major plans in Rawtenstall as well. The viability assessment of the former Heritage Arcade should finally help identify a way forward for this once much-loved building. This Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative may see this long-abandoned site turned into a modern retail and leisure area, supporting jobs and revitalising the heart of the town. It’s a crucial part of our broader goal to create vibrant town centres that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
In Bacup we’ve confirmed plans to redevelop the old Regal Cinema site. It’s a building that has been empty and deteriorating for decades, occupying one of the most visible sites in the town. I know not everyone will welcome the decision to demolish it – and I completely understand the strength of feeling, particularly from those who remember it in its heyday. But the reality is that without intervention, it would likely have stood unused and unloved for another 40 years. Instead, the site will now be brought back into active use by a local company, supporting employment and providing space for small businesses.
As with all our regeneration projects, this has been about compromise and about working with what’s realistic and achievable. The work done through the High Street Heritage Action Zone has laid the groundwork for meaningful change, and this latest
step is part of that longer-term process. We’re not just fixing up buildings, we’re creating the conditions for our town centres to thrive again.
Finally, I want to highlight a local campaign that I hope everyone can get behind. ‘Old Boots, New Dreams’ is a boot donation drive that supports Rossendale Works, our employability programme that’s making a real difference to people’s lives. By donating adult-sized football boots, you’re helping people take part in sport as part of their journey back into training or work. It’s a simple gesture that can have a lasting impact, and I’d encourage anyone who’s able to support it.
Rossendale Works is one of those local services that doesn’t always make the headlines, but quietly gets on with delivering real, practical support to people in our communities. That’s something we can all be proud of.
We’ve set up donation sites across the borough where you can drop your old boots or if you haven’t got any boots but want to support the campaign, you can go to the JustGiving page and make a donation https://bit.ly/oldbootsnewdreams.
The donation sites are at:
Adrenaline Centre (also weekends10am – 4pm)
Marl Pits Leisure Centre (also weekends10am – 4pm)
Futures Park
Haslingden Community Link
As ever if you wish to contact me, you can do so by calling 07817 414248 or emailing alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk