Pendle Borough Council said it is marking its 50-year milestone by celebrating the 'people, the place and the values' of the area.

Back in April 1974, the borough of Pendle was born, bringing together nine different district and town councils including Earby and Barnoldswick, which were previously in Yorkshire.

Chief executive of Pendle Borough Council, Rose Rouse, said: “We’re so proud that over the past 50 years, we’ve had the ambition to keep moving forward.

“There have been so many significant developments which have shaped the area from the M65 opening, with junctions linking Brierfield with Burnley, to the completion of Northlight, a £32 million transformation of Brierfield Mill bringing new homes, sports facilities and offices.

“Throughout 2024 we’re joining up with local organisations and groups to celebrate our heritage, nature and the local environment, arts and culture and young people.

“We want to highlight our pride in the area, how together we’re making a difference and to celebrate our shared values.”
 
From April a special 50th anniversary logo will be used to highlight events which bring people together and help boost pride in the area.

Ms Rouse added: “By reflecting on the creation of Pendle the place we recognise that our communities, towns and villages have their own unique identities and we’re proud of everything we’ve achieved together to make Pendle an even greater place to live, visit and work in.

“One thing’s for sure, we’ll continue to work passionately to make Pendle an even better place – and if the last 50 years are anything to go by, things won’t stand still!

“There will be lots of opportunities for local people to get involved as we look forward to the next 50 years.”

During the golden jubilee year, various milestones in the borough's history will be marked, including the 1974 creation of Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, the National Cycling Road Race in Barley in 2010, 2012 marking the 400th anniversary of the Pendle Witch Trials, more cycling in 2014 when the Tour of Britain visited, and the BMX pump track opening in 2018.

Most recently, 2021 saw the successful £25 million Nelson Town Deal and £6.5m for Colne bids, and the opening of Pendle Water bridleway last year.