Next phase of work to improve Bacup town centre set to begin

Work will start in July to enhance the centre of Bacup. Smart new paving and improved pedestrian facilities are planned as part of the next phase of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) gets underway.

It will see pavements in and around St James Square upgraded with high-quality York stone, roads resurfaced and three new zebra crossings installed. Extra visitor parking and loading bays for businesses will also be introduced.

Rossendale Borough Council was successful in securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2013 to deliver the £2 million THI, which aims to support the regeneration of Bacup by restoring historic features and increasing its appeal to visitors and businesses.

The latest phase of the scheme includes contributions of £422k from Lancashire County Council and up to £320k from Rossendale Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The work to be carried out by contractors Eric Wright Civil Engineering for Lancashire County Council will start on Monday, July 9,  and is scheduled to finish during October 2018.

A clockwise circulatory system will be introduced to manage traffic, routing vehicles via St James Square, St James Street, Union Street and Market Street. Bacup will remain open to business throughout, with contractors to liaise with residents and businesses directly affected to ensure that access is maintained whenever needed.

Rossendale Council leader Alyson Barnes said:

We are really pleased that the final phase of the THI is ready to be delivered. It builds upon the excellent shop front improvements and community engagement and training initiatives. The smart appearance of the town centre will make it a more attractive place for businesses, shoppers and visitors.

County Councillor Keith Iddon, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, added:

Some disruption is inevitable while work takes place in this busy area, however our contractors will be working with residents and businesses to keep this to a minimum.

I’m sure people will have seen how this type of improvement work in Lancashire’s towns and beyond really helps to elevate them, and that it’s well worth taking this opportunity to invest in the future prosperity of Bacup.

The improvements include upgrades to the roads and pavements on St James Square and adjoining sections of St James St, Market St, Burnley Road and Yorkshire St. Further signing and lining works will be carried out on these roads, as well as South Street, Union Street, Tower Street and Lumb Scar to create more parking and loading spaces. New zebra crossings will also be constructed on Market Street, St James Square and Yorkshire Street.