Leader Alyson Barnes last update for 2025
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been struck by how much is happening across Rossendale and how these developments are beginning to take shape in ways that will really benefit our communities.
You may have seen the latest update on Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire. The council has been clear from the outset that we support the proposal for three unitary authorities across the county, and this has now been agreed at our meeting last week. The vote was almost unanimous. We believe this approach would bring real opportunities for better coordination, better value for money and clearer accountability and will finally rid us of a two tier system that no longer works effectively for our communities.
I was asked at the meeting how we could guarantee that Rossendale’s best interests would be served by this new council? The answer to this is that we need to elect good people to the new council, people who are willing and able to work with others to ensure that the things that need doing in our borough get done, and that we resist getting into pointless arguments between political parties. All too often, even at a local level there are those who seem far more interested in playing Westminster politics than serving our residents, in a larger council we will all need to be focused on Rossendale’s needs.
Local Government Reorganisation is a conversation that will continue into next year, when central government are likely to consult on two or three of the options put forward by Lancashire councils. We will keep making the case for a structure that works for our residents and our communities.
Another positive development this month is the appointment of the contractor for the redevelopment of Rawtenstall Market. The contractor is already reaching out to local businesses to get involved as suppliers with a “Bidders Day” planned for Thursday 11 December. I really want to encourage our local suppliers, trades, and businesses to get involved and support the delivery of the redevelopment. Regeneration isn’t just about buildings; it’s about creating opportunities that ripple out across the whole borough. The redevelopment of the market will continue to support local jobs, strengthen our high street and give people another reason to spend time – and money – in the Valley. Please continue to support our market traders when they move to their temporary home in the town square in early January.
The Pride in Place regeneration plan has now been submitted to government. Thanks to the chair of the Pride in Place Board – Iain Taylor and all those who have given their time to develop the plan and to those that have responded to the consultation events on this. You have said that your priorities are safer streets, more vibrant town centres, improvements to key public spaces. Pride in Place gives us a clear framework to deliver
improvements in the places that matter most to residents, and it provides a strong foundation for future funding bids and regeneration work right across the borough.
When you look at these three developments together – reforming local government in a way that finally replaces the antiquated and unresponsive two-tier system of local government, work to repair and restore Rawtenstall Market so that it will still be serving our community well into the future and securing a long-term plan for investment in our towns, that will see improvements in Waterfoot and Bacup Road in Rawtenstall – this paints a picture of a borough that is ambitious and moving forward with confidence.
None of this happens in isolation. The input, support and passion from council members and officers, businesses and people across Rossendale continues to be invaluable. Whether you have taken part in consultations, shared your views with councillors, supported local businesses or simply taken pride in your corner of the Valley, it all makes a difference.
All the very best for the festive season and let’s hope that 2026 is the year that our economy gets back on track and things start to feel a little bit easier.
As always you can get in touch with me by phone on 07817 414248 or by email at alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk.