A TOWN council has submitted a neighbourhood plan to give them a louder voice in policy-making.

Longridge Town Council has submitted a new neighbourhood plan to Ribble Valley Council for the proposed ‘growth’ of the town and development of new community facilities by 2028.

This could include the creation of the Longridge Loop, which could provide a safe route around the town for cyclists, walkers and the disabled.

The route will be approximately five miles in length and could be joined to the Preston Guild Wheel via a suitable link.

The town council has also proposed to renovate the civic hall, create the town’s first public swimming pool and make improvements to the former Longridge Railway Station.

If approved, the plan will become part of the local development framework and taken into account when determining planning applications.

Residents have been asked to have their say on a proposed neighbourhood plan for the town and the area.

Cllr Steve Ashcroft, who is one of 12 councillors on Longridge Town Council, said: “We think the neighbourhood plan will give more leverage in terms of the future of the town and the way the town develops.

“We don’t just mean in terms of housing but across the board and how we develop and protect some of the existing sites,” Cllr Ashcroft added.

“We are aware Longridge is growing and to change in line with government policy we want to have an opportunity to have some more local control.”

“There is no town council or parish council able to get it through the Ribble Valley system but we hope people will get involved in the formal consultation.”

People can have their say until 5pm on Friday, March 23, after which the responses will be considered by an independent examiner. who will recommend whether or not the proposed plan should proceed to a local referendum.

The plan and supporting documents can be viewed at ribblevalley.gov.uk, the Ribble Valley Council offices in Church Walk, Clitheroe or Longridge and Clitheroe libraries or the Longridge Old Station buildings.

Further details on how to take part in the consultation are available at ribblevalley.gov.uk