Residents can find out more about the Rawtenstall masterplan as part of a series of public engagement events.

The events are being organised this month by Rossendale Borough Council for residents and businesses.

The intention is to transform the town centre into a ‘more warmly welcoming place’ and enhance the routes into town.

Projects being identified and developed between Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council include making the streets more vibrant by organising events and improving the market as a destination and increasing safety by improving lighting, crossing points and updating pavements.

The plan is also to make the town a greener place by introducing more trees along St Mary’s Way, and by developing better access to woodland trails and country cycle ways.

The engagement drop-in sessions will be at Rawtenstall Market on Thursday, February 15, 11am to 2pm; and at Rawtenstall Library on February 22, 4pm to 7pm, where officers from Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council will be on hand to answer questions and take on feedback.

There will also be opportunities to see the plans online and to make comment on the council’s website - rossendale.gov.uk - and on its social media platforms.

The council intends fulfilling its vision which sees Rawtenstall as: "A vibrant town where nature threads through its streets, creating lively brooks, colourful pocket parks and weaving its way into the surrounding hills."

The masterplan projects have been developed by Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council with experts Planit, who have been appointed to develop the plans.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes, who is also lead member for regeneration, said: “The regeneration projects in Rawtenstall are all exciting ventures which will help make the Valley a better place to live, work and visit. 

“They will also further cement Rawtenstall as a great destination to experience a country lifestyle with city benefits. 

“The masterplan is important so that we can encourage further investment into the town centre and co-ordinate our public realm and functionality of the centre. It’s already a town with excellent strengths but we want to keep driving forward the economic success.

Cllr Barnes added: “We hope as many people as possible, whether they be residents, businesses, shop retailers or market traders, are able to attend the public drop-in sessions where they will discover the extent of the work being planned and have the opportunity to influence the plans.

“Both ourselves and Lancashire County Council are keen to listen to the feedback which will help model the Valley for an exciting future.”

Lancashire County Council cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, County Cllr Aidy Riggott, said: "This is an incredible opportunity to invest in the future of Rawtenstall and make a real difference to the lives of everyone who lives, works and does business in the town.

"Rawtenstall already has many great strengths, such as its sense of community, unique geography, and pride in its history, and these projects look to build on these by making it easier for people to socialise, travel sustainably, and enjoy spending time in the town centre.

"The masterplan will ensure these projects are complementary and work together as a whole, and I'd ask people to take this opportunity to help us shape them and maximise the benefit to everyone in Rawtenstall."