Pendle welcomed visitors from the borough’s twin town of Marl in Germany.

Arts and Culture Officer,  René Lankeit and Town Planning Officer, Björn Anders visited the borough to look at current regeneration projects.

The visit comes after two members of staff from Pendle Borough Council took part in a twinning exchange visit to Germany in November.

Trainee engineer Jason Kelly and engineering project co-ordinator Tricia Wilson spent a few days in Pendle’s twin town exchanging information on urban development, including cycling and culture.

The German visitors enjoyed tours of Nelson Town Hall, the Accessible Nelson scheme, Northlight, and the Steven Burke Sports Hub and BMX track.

The guests also had a behind-the-scenes tour of Colne’s newly-formed Heritage Quarter, getting a first-hand glimpse of the renovation works at The Muni Theatre, Pendle Hippodrome and The Little Theatre.

They also visited Colne Market to discuss the refurbishment work that was going to take place there, drove around the masterplan areas in Barnoldswick and Earby, and took part in a walk up Pendle Hill.

Tricia said: “In Marl, we were taken to their refurbished theatre and school of music, so seeing the regeneration work at Colne’s Heritage Quarter was particularly interesting for Rene. 

“We finished the visit with a drive around the Masterplan areas of Barnoldswick and Earby, and then a walk up Pendle Hill on the last day to give our visitors a full overview of the borough. 

“We feel Rene and Bjorn had a full and informative visit, replicating our visit to them in Marl, looking at different approaches and solutions and sharing knowledge.”