Rossendale’s Pride in Place Board has formally approved a comprehensive Regeneration Plan setting out a ten-year vision and four-year investment programme for Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, and Crawshawbooth
The plan marks a significant step forward in delivering long-term, sustainable regeneration across the borough. It aims to create thriving places, build stronger communities, and give local people greater influence over the future of their towns and neighbourhoods.
A total of £20 million in funding – primarily capital investment – will be drawn down from April 2026 to deliver projects aligned with Pride in Place’s approved priorities. These include regeneration, high street and heritage renewal, health and wellbeing, safety and security, and improving access to education and opportunity.
The Regeneration Plan has been shaped by extensive community and stakeholder engagement over recent months. Residents, local groups, and organisations were invited to submit project ideas during August and September, ensuring that proposals reflect local priorities and needs.
Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council, welcomed the approval, saying: “This is a really positive step for Rossendale. The Regeneration Plan sets out a clear, ambitious but realistic vision for our communities, built on what local people have told us matters most to them. The Pride in Place programme gives us a fantastic opportunity to invest in our towns, our people, and our future – ensuring growth that benefits everyone.”
The programme will be overseen by the Pride in Place Board, which brings together an independent chair, local MP, representatives from Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Borough Council, the police, business leaders, and community organisations.
Iain Taylor, Independent Chair of the Pride in Place Board, said: “The approval of the Regeneration Plan is an important milestone. It reflects a shared commitment across partners and communities to deliver real, lasting change. Pride in Place isn’t just about physical regeneration – it’s about helping people feel proud of where they live and giving them a stronger voice in shaping the future of their local area.”
The Neighbourhood Board will continue to guide community engagement and local decision-making throughout the life of the programme, ensuring residents remain at the heart of delivery and beyond.
The plan can be viewed on the council website https://bit.ly/OurTownsPlan