PEOPLE in Nelson are being encouraged to have their say about ways of re-developing the former Grand Cinema site in the town centre.

Consultants in urban design and planning were appointed by Pendle Council to bring forward designs to re-develop the site, destroyed in fire in May, 2000.

Since the fire and demolition of the building, the open space where the cinema once stood has been referred to as an 'eyesore' and considered to lower the tone of the area.

In a bid to make it more attractive, the council organised a large mural featuring photographs of local people to cover the gap facing the town hall and it is once again the people of Nelson who are being sought over the site's future.

The first of a series of workshops will be held between 6pm and 8pm on Monday, October 14, in the Wilson Room at Nelson Town Hall and the comments and views received will form a major part of the ultimate design proposals.

The workshop is open to anybody who lives or works in Nelson and covers all sections of the community.

Design and planning consultants will also be in Unit 1 of Pendle Rise Shopping Centre to listen to shoppers' views on the subject from 1.30pm to 4.30pm earlier the same day.

Steve Smith, of Icarus, one of the experts involved in the consultation aspect of the brief, said: "The workshop will be informal and seek to let people be creative about their ideas for future uses of this site.

"These workshops are usually lively and valuable aspects of the entire consultation exercise. All views are treated confidentially."

The consultants are expected to present their proposals to the council's executive committee in January.