The transformation of Higher Deardengate continues to move forward with real momentum, as the wider public realm improvement scheme delivers major upgrades to the heart of Haslingden
Shaped by extensive community consultation through the Haslingden 2040 Vision and the Big Lamp Project, this £1.54 million investment is creating a safer, greener, and more welcoming town centre for everyone.
Key improvements include:
· Wider pavements, giving pedestrians more space and offering businesses the opportunity to display goods outdoors (with a valid pavement licence);
· Smoother, safer surfaces that preserve the town’s much-loved cobbled setts;
· A new northbound one-way system designed to ease congestion and reduce noise;
· More greenery, new trees, refreshed lighting, public art, and additional seating to enhance the overall look and feel of the area;
· A refurbished Big Lamp - celebrating local heritage;
· Retained on-street parking with extended two-hour limits;
· Clearer signage in each of the town centre car park to shops, car parks, the library.
The appointed contractor has increased the number of personnel on site, and in addition to this, the contractor is working out of business hours, and on the weekends, to achieve the phased reopening of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
Throughout the project, councillors, officers and the contractor’s community manager have stayed in regular contact with traders - raising concerns, sharing updates and ways to continue to support the Deardengate businesses.
Cllr Nick Harris said: “We know this period has been challenging for local traders, and we are incredibly grateful for their honesty, patience and ongoing support. While the delays have been outside of Rossendale Borough Council’s control, we have worked tirelessly to push for progress and secure earlier access to Deardengate wherever possible.
“This first phase of reopening is a significant milestone, and we will continue working closely with Lancashire County Council and the contractor to keep things moving. Once complete, the improvements will deliver a town centre that is safer, more vibrant and better for businesses, visitors and residents alike.”
The Council will continue to share updates as each new phase of reopening is confirmed, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring Haslingden’s regeneration brings long-lasting benefits.
The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) for the current road closure runs until 28th November 2025. Although the original goal was to fully reopen the new one-way system before Christmas, unforeseen delays in delivery mean this is no longer possible. To minimise disruption and better support local businesses and residents, Rossendale Borough Council has worked proactively with Lancashire County Council, the highways authority, to implement a phased reopening rather than waiting for the full scheme to be completed.
The first phase aims to re-open the section between Pleasant Street and Hindle Street to traffic, allowing vehicles to exit via Hindle Street Car Park onto Bank Street and Bury Road. This partial reopening is designed to improve traffic flow, support traders, and relieve pressure on surrounding roads. Further phased re-opening will be completed as soon safely possible.
A Council spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the disruption the ongoing Deardengate closure has caused for traders, residents and visitors, and we share the community’s frustration. We remain extremely grateful for the patience, understanding and resilience shown throughout this challenging period.”