Published August 25, 2017 at 13:17
Following a meeting with Lancashire County Council on Thursday, August 24 Bacup THI board Chair, Councillor Andy MacNae, has said the following:
At a meeting yesterday (August 24) at County Hall, County Councillors Steen and Eaton confirmed their position that they would not support any public realm scheme for Bacup that moves the existing roundabout. This was despite amendments to the scheme following consultation and our offer to move the fountain. Given our reliance on LCC funding for the project this means that the proposed Bacup THI Public Realm Scheme cannot go ahead. The existing scheme is therefore stopped. Whilst this decision may be popular with those who have opposed change I believe that the great majority of people in Bacup will be deeply disappointed that our chance to deliver transformational change to the town centre has been lost because of this opposition.
On a positive note, I was pleased that County Councillor Keith Iddon gave a firm commitment that the funding previously allocated to the scheme will remain earmarked for Bacup and his promise that county council officers will now work closely with our THI team to develop a new public realm plan that can be delivered within the THI timescales. Councillor Iddon also acknowledged that LCC should be open to supporting extra costs arising from this very late change in position. With his support we will now work through the THI board to bring forward positive new proposals as soon as possible.