A HERITAGE group in Rossendale is aiming to regenerate historic buildings in the area, starting with a disused mill.

Valley Heritage have received £10,000 each from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Architectural Heritage Fund for initial stage work in restoring Waterside Mill in Bacup.

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The fledging organisation then intend to continue with heritage regeneration, and believe their work can greatly benefit those in the local area.

Valley Heritage trustee Ann Taylor said: “What we hope to do is help regenerate, not just save buildings but have a positive impact in the local community.

“It can can then be used by many to really encourage regeneration and togetherness.”

The organisation was established to be a positive force for heritage across Rossendale, focusing on securing the future of heritage at risk buildings.

Their first project is the Grade II listed Waterside Mill, which was damaged by a fire in May 2003 and has since deteriorated.

Chairman of Valley Heritage, Stephen Anderson is extremely happy at their initial success to secure funds to save the site.

He said: “We are delighted to give Waterside Mill one last chance of finding a positive future. It really is now or never for this important building.”

The group have two objectives: to work to help restoration and regeneration, and to educate people on heritage.

They work closely with Rossendale Council with their work, and councillors are delighted at being able to save such important sites.

Bethan Frost, Rossendale Council’s conservation officer, said: “Waterside Mill represents an important part of Rossendale’s textile heritage and is sited on a significant gateway site.

“Working with Valley Heritage and other key stakeholders, we hope to find a solution to this long-term heritage asset at risk.”

Valley Heritage are also looking to educate people about regeneration in different ways, and they held a course at UCLan on area heritage in Rossendale which ran from October to March.

They will also host a heritage open weekend in September, for which anyone can register, to allow the public to explore usually unseen areas of historic buildings.

Trustee Ann feels that the council are at the cornerstone of all the heritage organisations work, and has praised their continued input.

She said: “There can be lots or negative press for Rossendale borough council, but I’ve found this to be totally different.

“They’ve been fantastic, really keen to help us.”