Barnoldswick and Earby masterplans are latest in Pendle town projects

Larger towns like Nelson and Colne are seeing higher-profile schemes linked to Levelling-Up and Town Deal agreements, such as theatre, market hall and shopping centre projects, But smaller places such as Barnoldswick and Earby are considered in two new masterplans, along with one for Colne.

The smaller town masterplans follows a study commissioned by Pendle Council to prepare regeneration strategies. 

Work was done by Optimised Environments Ltd with other consultancies called WSP, Cushman & Wakefield, Hatch & Ekosgen and Placed.

The Barnoldswick and Earby masterplans look at topics including transport links and the movement of people, housing, jobs, businesses and population data, such as the number of young and old people.

But the reports focus geographically on Barnoldswick and Earby town centres. They suggests ways to strengthen squares, high streets and buildings, boost walking and cycling and enhance each town’s character.

Barnoldswick is the largest West Craven town and a key place situated between Colne and Skipton. But it is the largest town in England not on a major A-road, and it is less accessible on public transport than Colne and Nelson.

The West Craven towns are surrounded by ‘distinctive and significant natural assets’, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The National Cycle Route 68 runs along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, passing through Nelson, Foulridge and Barnoldswick.

BARNOLDSWICK

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal as it passes through Barnoldswick

The Barnoldswick report adds:  “Whilst the focus of this report is Barnoldswick, it is important to recognise the role it plays in the hierarchy of the wider area as a place to live, work and visit. Considering how Barnoldswick relates to other centres and how its offer can be promoted in isolation, as well as in conjunction with other areas, will support the town to optimise its potential.

“For example, given the proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland, consideration should be given to how Barnoldswick can enhance its offering as a stop-off point for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or to stay over? This will help to capture more spending beyond the town’s existing residential catchment and boost its attractiveness to businesses seeking visitors.

“It will also be important to work with Earby to promote the joint offer of the two towns, to raise their profile and attractiveness rather than be in competition. This collaborative approach should also be extended to include wider attractions such as the Boundary Mill outlet and the wider offer in Colne.”

It adds: “This is an ideal time for masterplans for places like Earby, Barnoldswick and Colne, because the government recognises the need and importance for regenerating areas outside London and the south- east which have seen under-investment over many years.”

Barnoldswick, with a population of around 11,000, has a small business base of 305 businesses. Over the last five years, the number has stayed steady. But jobs have been lost in public administration, defence and manufacturing, Over 500 jobs have gone in manufacturing since 2017 and over 300 in other sectors. However, new jobs have been created in education, healthcare, construction, food and wholesale

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to Barnoldswick and Earby are explored in the report – and public’s views too.

EARBY

John Kingy took this stunning photograph of the sunrise in Earby

Earby, with a population of 4,800, grew around Earby Beck and the railway line, fuelling industrialisation and textile mills. Today, it has the busy A56 road nearby was served by a railway line until 1970. It draws people from Sough, Kelbrook and Thornton-in Craven.

Earby is facing challenges, both environmental and ‘user-interaction’, the masterplan says. It is impacted by flood risks from Earby Beck and the quality of public areas are in decline. There are also vacant shops and under-used sites.

Earby has 230 businesses, which has stayed steady over five years. Professional, scientific, IT and business administration employment has grown. Health, manufacturing, wholesale and agriculture jobs have fallen.

The report states: “The biggest competitor for Earby is Barnoldswick, just over three miles west . Barnoldswick has 84 shops compared to Earby’s 39. Barnoldswick has a greater offering of health-related stores, bank and cafés and restaurants Colne provides a wider offering of 111 more shops and notably offers 35 more café, bar and restaurants.”

Recommendations include better promotion of Earby with signs, improvements to key streets, roads and public spaces, and more greenery

Young people and families’ needs also deserve attention. Youth clubs and informal spaces for youngsters in both Barnoldswick and Earby have been raised at various Pendle Council meetings in recent years.