A VISION of Bacup and Stacksteads for the next 20 years is to be hammered out at a series of community open days.

The hope is that the Bacup and Stacksteads Area Development Framework will be the key to unlock millions of pounds to pay for a wide range of initiatives from the government's Elevate scheme.

Plans put before residents will include road-widening, demolition or revitalisation of old industrial property, a remodelling of some estates and even measures to boost trade for town centre shops.

The area has already been included in the proposal to bring millions of pounds to East Lancashire through Elevate, the Whitehall-funded scheme to boost the housing market.

The vision that emerges from the public and councillors after this week's meetings will then shape Rossendale Council's bid to maximise the portion of Elevate cash coming to Bacup and Stacksteads.

Coun Graham Pearson, Rossendale Council leader and a member of the Elevate board, said: "I think it is fair to say that Bacup and Stacksteads have not had a chance like this for 50 years.

"Elevate is about housing. This area development framework is also to be our vision for the economy, transport and the environment so we can also use it for things such as improved transport links.

"Other publicly funded improvement schemes have lasted for three or four years. This will last for 20 years so it is important that as many people as possible take part in our meetings."

Consultants have already examined the area and will put their suggestions to the four public meetings to be held tomorrow and Saturday.

One option for Stacksteads will be to improve parking facilities for shoppers after concerns that the amount of traffic on Newchurch Road deters motorists from stopping to shop.

High on the agenda is Bacup centre and its current rundown state.

The meetings will be held from 3pm and 7pm on Friday, with people being invited to drop in at Tunstead Community Centre, Haworth Drive, Stacksteads, and the Sunnycrest Centre, Pennine Road, Bacup.

Saturday's meetings will be held from 1pm to 5pm at the Stacksteads Drop-in Centre, Newchurch Road, and from 11am to 4pm at Bacup Leisure Hall.

Anyone unable to attend can find out more by telephoning 0800 0852207.