Some of you may know that several new initiatives are in place to improve the facilities and appearance of Rossendale.
The government has given Rossendale £52, 632 in order to tackle the negative image caused by empty shops on high streets. We all know empty shops can look miserable and put people off shopping, but there are ways of solving this issue. Suggestions put forward by the government include using empty shops for community facilities such as learning centres, meeting places, rehearsal space or even a showroom for local artists.
Temporary community leases will also be introduced so that local groups can use the vacant space and the landlord also benefits from reduced property bills.
Action has also been taken by the Pride of Rossendale project to stamp out littering, helping to make the valley a cleaner and safer place to visit. 90 new litter bins have now been installed across the borough- they’re bigger, easier to maintain and more vandal-proof. We all want to live and work in pleasant environment so nobody has an excuse to drop litter.
Work has also started to improve 130 properties in the Rochdale Road area of Bacup- this involves everything from sand blasting, guttering, replacing railings and re-pointing and local contractors are being used. The 1.6 million pound improvements are being funded by Elevate East Lancashire and Rossendale Borough Council and will undoubtedly improve this area for residents and visitors.
