A MAJOR town centre upgrade scheme will start next week.

Rossendale Council has confirmed that the £300,000 project for central Rawtenstall will begin on Monday.

The scaled-down scheme will see an enhanced town square with new parks and gardens and a dedicated events area.

The new plans follow on from the council’s earlier decision abandon future phases of the Spinning Point development.

The £300,000 budget comes from Rossendale Council and Lancashire County Council.

The scheme will revitalise the town square, creating an outside meeting point transforming a neglected piece of land.

The square will offer public spaces allowing for leisure and pop-up events next to Spinning Point.

Contractors Eric Wright Ltd should be onsite for three months from Monday.

Cllr Alyson Barnes said: “I am pleased that the new Rawtenstall town square area is now taking shape.

"I believe that this will further enhance what has become an excellent town centre.

“The Labour group took the decision to remove the old Valley Centre, refurbish the old town hall and create a new bus station, and the town square is the latest addition to the development.

“I hope that the area will be enjoyed by all, and residents will get behind the scheme and support the new activities that are planned in the town centre.

"It’s important that we have a useable space to put on events in Rawtenstall, creating footfall for our excellent town centre businesses that were hit so hard by successive lockdowns during the pandemic.”

The scheme will connect the bus station, refurbished town hall and the main shopping area.

Lancashire County Council's growth boss Cllr Aidy Riggott said: "This inspiring new space in the town will help to create a more welcoming place for people to visit, which in turn helps local companies through increased business and creates economic growth."