High Streets Taskforce create 'more inviting Haslingden'

Haslingden residents, business owners and community groups took part in a workshop that focused on quick wins that the public can take part in to help activate the town.

The event, organised by Rossendale Council and the High Streets Taskforce, took place at Haslingden High School and those attending included representatives from the Rossendale’s Civic Society and Civic Pride.

The government funded High Streets Taskforce provides support to local leaders in town centres and high streets across the country by giving expert advice, training and data delivered directly to local stakeholders in towns and cities.

The session in Haslingden was led by Professor Steve Millington, from the Institute of Place Management, and Penny Bell, a director of InTo Places.

The council was represented by Megan Eastwood, head of housing and regeneration, and Dawn Lawler, Haslingden town centre manager.

Dawn said: “The inspired session saw everyone working together on ideas of how we can inject positivity and a quick turn around with ideas to create a more inviting Haslingden, where residents and people from near and far will be encouraged to visit.

“The findings from the workshop will identify key areas of opportunity for the town centre and how we can go about delivering them.

“Support and input from different organisations, groups and businesses will help build on the current market and public realm works that are going to be happening in Haslingden.”

The aim of the taskforce is to support leaders to make the best decisions on the future of their high streets and how they can best serve their communities with the vision of making high streets the heart of the community.

A £500,000 refurbishment of Haslingden Market to make it a vibrant social hub with a new modern offer is already underway.

Initial work on the Big Lamp project in Upper Deardengate, which includes making the highway one way and adding striking public realm, starts shortly.