WORK on the next stage of a major scheme of improvements to a town centre is set to start next month.

The programme of public realm works along Church Street in Padiham will begin on September 7.

It involves widening pavements with new high quality paving materials and street furniture; a reduced speed limit of 20mph; traffic calming measures; improvements to the 'pocket park' on 'the Hill' with a raised-table pedestrian crossing, surface treatment and public art; and new town hall 'plaza' with zebra crossing; roundabout enhancements and improved bus stops.

The works are part of the £10million North-West Burnley Growth Corridor scheme which includes new flood defences for the town centre along the River Calder and Green Brook, and nearly 200 new homes on the former Baxi site.

The public realm works will complement the £1.3m Townscape Heritage Initiative around 'the Hill' and the refurbishment of the town hall, which will include a new business hub.
Cllr Gordon Birtwistle, Burnley council’s growth boss, said: “This is great news for Padiham. The aim is to improve the look of the centre and make it more pedestrian friendly so that it’s more attractive for residents, shoppers and visitors which, in turn, will benefit local businesses.

"Millions of pounds are being pumped into Padiham to protect its heritage and history, and to make sure it has an exciting future as well.”

The overall improvements are being paid for by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Lancashire County Council and Burnley Council.

Steve Fogg, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: ''The North West Burnley Corridor scheme in its entirety will deliver a coordinated programme of works to unlock employment and residential growth potential in Padiham. The town has a fantastic heritage."