OLD sayings from Nelson’s past are set to make a comeback as part of a £2.1million overhaul of the town centre.

Stone cubes, which are being installed during the creation of the Pendle town’s new ‘high street’, will have dialect phrases inscribed on them by masons.

Phrases like ‘tha meks a betta dower than a winda’, and ‘e cudn’t stop a pig in a ginnil’ are just some of the pieces of Lancashire logic which will be preserved for posterity.

Council bosses are now giving Nelson families and firms the chance to carve their own epithets, which will stand the test of time.

The words to an old cotton mill song will also be detailed on the side of amphitheatre-style planters, which are set to be installed.

Town centres officer Hanna Latty said: “Introducing local dialect phrases and lyrics seemed like the perfect way to reflect the heritage of the area.”

Dee McInnes and her family have already decided to dedicate one such cube to grandfather Rodney Blezard, a war veteran, who died in May last year.

His phrase – ‘wi ma nivver see termorn, soa wid better mek t’best o’terday’ – is said to reflect his positive outlook on life.

Dee said: “My grandad was a real local character.

“He liked nothing better than to spend time sitting in Nelson town centre talking to friends and strangers alike – even into his 90s,” she added.

Twelve original phrases will adorn the cubes initially, and a competition is being run to see who can decipher the complete dozen.

Entry forms are available at the Number One Market Street offices.

The sayings were selected with the help of Nelson Local History Society.

The plans also include the unveiling of the 12-metre high artwork, dubbed Shuttle, as a centrepiece linking Leeds Road, Market Street, and Manchester Road.