NEW images of how two public spaces in an East Lancashire town might look after a £1.18million makeover have been released.

They show the proposed upgraded Burnley Road Memorial Garden and Union Street in Bacup.

Rossendale Council is now asking people for feedback on the proposals to improve the town’s public realm.

Last year Bacup received £1.18m from Historic England from the national High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.

Now it the council has revealed details of the local project which aims to upgrade 22 buildings, undertake public realm works to Burnley Road Memorial Garden and provide community events and a cultural programme.

The council is running a six-week consultation, available online from January 7 to February 18, on the plans to improve Burnley Road Memorial Garden.

They are also consulting on a potential upgrade to Union Street, which would require additional funding.

Greensclough ward's Cllr Jimmy Eaton said: "On paper this looks like a good idea."

Borough resources boss Cllr Andrew Walmsley said: “The proposals for the memorial garden are a welcome way of enhancing the garden and providing some overdue investment, whilst ensuring that it remains a peaceful area for reflection and remembrance.”

Two consultation sessions will be held with the project team to discuss the plans.

The first will be held at Bacup Market on Wednesday January 12 from 1pm until 4pm.

The second session will be held online with bookable slots on Thursday January 13 from 4pm until 7pm.

To book a fifteen minute meeting with the project team, people should email lydiawilliamson@rossendalebc.gov.uk. Ad hoc appointments will be available for those unable to take part on January 13.

Rossendale Council's Health, Leisure and Bacup Regeneration boss Cllr Barbara Ashworth said: “The public realm proposals feed in to our wider 2040 vision for Bacup.

"Throughout the whole process, the local community has been at the centre of decision making, and we can make sure this continues through further public consultation.”

Historic England’s Peter Barlow said: “We’re excited to hear what local communities have to say about the proposed improvements to Bacup’s public realm and how this relates to the plans to regenerate the town’s historic high street.”

To view the proposals and complete the consultation people should visit Rossendale Borough Council’s website.

Paper surveys will be available at the consultation session and at the council headquarters on Futures Park in Bacup.