Published August 8, 2017 at 14:09
Ahead of the expiration of its seven-day deadline for Lancashire County Council to confirm support for the THI public realm scheme, Bacup THI board Chair, Councillor Andy MacNae, has issued the following statement:
Lancashire County Council has requested extra time to consider its options. We have agreed to this as we really value our partnership but this uncertainty cannot go on much longer. Following feedback at the July public meeting changes have been made to the proposals and additional parking bays, disabled parking and loading zones have been included in the scheme and further traffic modelling is planned. We also remain open to ideas which retain valued elements of the fountain within a new layout. I really hope that Cllrs Eaton and Steen will recognise the benefits that this scheme could bring to Bacup and get behind this much needed regeneration project. It would be a great shame if Bacup was to lose £747,000 of funding.
I would also like to say that I have been delighted to receive so much support for the scheme from local residents who are pleased with what we are trying to achieve in Bacup. We have also surveyed over 40 businesses, many of whom have had positive things to say about the Bacup THI public realm scheme. We are certain it will improve the image of the town, bring in new shoppers, encourage much needed investment and enable further regeneration. And I also think it will send an important message that we are proud of Bacup and want to see a thriving town.