Footpath improvements to be made along East Lancashire Railway line 

Rossendale Borough Council are working alongside Civic Pride Rossendale (Britain in Bloom Gold Winners 2022) and Community Interest Company Proffitts – Investing in Communities on a project to improve and extend the popular footpath along the East Lancashire Railway between the Railway Station at Rawtenstall, and the car park at the Aldi store at New Hall Hey. 

Planned works include widening the path along the entire route, formalising and upgrading path surfaces, cutting back overhanging vegetation to give clear sight lines, and tackling dead, diseased and damaged trees. The group will also extend the knee rail along the pathway, repair fencing where needed, and plant more woodland shrubs and bulbs in the wooded area. 

Chris Blomerley from Civic Pride Rossendale told us ‘’The walk along the railway path is very popular and we’re thrilled that we can make the improvements needed to keep the pathways clear, safe, and accessible for everyone. With Autumn and Winter fast approaching, we’re eager to tackle the problems and get the paths in to good order before the worst of the weather sets in.’’ 

The entire path will be closed whilst the works are carried out for public safety and warning barriers and fencing will be installed at each of the path to prevent access. 

David McChesney Green Spaces Manager from Rossendale Borough Council said ‘’Once the work is completed regular users of the footpath will see a huge improvement from what it is currently. We apologise for the short-term inconvenience but sure that the long-term benefits will outweigh this” 

The works are expected to last around 6-8 weeks, weather permitting.