A HISTORIC fountain looks set to remain after new plans were drawn up as part of a controversial £2million revitalisation scheme for a town centre.

Past plans to improve the middle of Bacup and its ‘public realm’ stalled earlier this year over objections to a new road scheme, such as those from Tory councillor Jimmy Eaton.

They involved removing the Bacup Coronation Fountain and roundabout and building two new mini-roundabouts to replace the existing system in St James Square.

However new plans were revealed to the public at a recent meeting which will see the fountain and roundabout remain.

Cllr Andy MacNae, executive member for regeneration, said: “There was a lot of enthusiasm for the project and we also had some suggestions of changes that people would like, all of which we are currently digesting.

“Over all it was a great event that showed just how many residents are passionate about the future of their town and want it to flourish, which at the end of the day is something we all want to see.”

The scheme aims to redraw the traffic system creating more space for pedestrians and events.

It will look to provide safer junctions and crossings, widened and improved pavements, better loading and uploading for shops, more parking, better lighting and more space for events on Irwell Terrace.

Cllr Eaton said: “I would now welcome the scheme as a way of improving the town centre.

“It would have been a real shame to lose such a historic fountain and I thought two roundabouts would have caused problems for traffic management, so I’m pleased that these changes have been made to the plans.”

Cllr Peter Steen said: “These plans will bring life back into Bacup town centre.

“The fact the fountain will remain is welcome news.

“These plans are all about improving the town centre for pedestrians and opening up Irwell Terrace, a big public space in the town centre for events.”

The plans to improve the central area for pedestrians are a key part of the lottery-funded Bacup Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

Major improvements to shop fronts have already taken place under the initiative financed by £1.5million from the National Lottery, £400,000 from Rossendale Council and £100,000 from Lancashire County Council.

More than 100 people attended the event recently to look at the proposals for the future of Bacup’s town centre.

The ‘Come and Talk to Us’ session took place at the A B & D Centre and saw officers from Rossendale Council and Lancashire County Council on hand to discuss the plans.

Residents had the chance to view a video of the road layout, plans and a map.

In addition to the event, the council said it has been consulting with bus and taxi companies as well as presenting to the Bacup Business Association and surveying town centre businesses.