Relief as Haslingden ‘comes back to life’ after controversial street works costing millions

Traders say they are relieved that controversial street works are complete and hope their high street can now ‘come back to life.’

Work on Haslingden’s Deansgate area finished in March after nine months – six months longer than planned.

The work has replaced pavements, road surfaces, bus stops, parking bays and created new planted areas. Also, its historic ‘Big Lamp’ has been placed on a new plinth and a new sculpture of a giant loom shuttle has been installed, referencing its textile history.

The Big Lamp Project was funded by a £1.8m National Heritage Lottery grant and extra money including from Rossendale Council.  Lancashire County Council, United Utilities and contractors were also involved in different ways. But the project has been painful with Rossendale Council apologising for disruption and two underground water leaks causing further delays early this year.

However, the work is done and people have shared their feelings.

Selene Bridge runs the Unscripted women’s boutique on Deardengate and said customers include actor Sarah Janye Dunn fom TV’s Hollyoaks and Seema Malhotra from Real Housewives from Cheshire.

Selene opened the shop seven years ago and said: ” It’s amazing to see things come back to life again after the work. Deardengate does look prettier now and it feels like I’m back properly – enjoying my business again.

“This week has been really strong with plenty of customers and good weather. The number of new customers has been amazing. We’ve had people from Ramsbottom, Oswaldtwistle and Bacup, for example. I always felt Haslingden was a good location. That’s why I opened here and stayed through the street works upheaval.

“During the work, I posted social media videos, explaining about car parking, which helped customers. Communication is really important. Now the work’s done, I’m hoping to hold an event in a few weeks.”

On events, she added: “There’s been talk of Rossendale Council having a marketing campaign for activities around the Big Clock and they’ve asked businesses to think about ideas too.”

Asked how she would like the area to develop further, she said a few more cafés could be good. She opens late once a week and said more evening activity could be good. She said Haslingden has a good business community and traders help each other. But she was not aware of a local chamber of commerce, to represent traders , and perhaps one could be formed.

Mick Yardley, from Accrington, said: “I come to Haslingden once or twice a week to have a look around. There isn’t as much parking space now on Deardengate but I think the shops will get their customers back again. The new pavements look nice but the new plants might get kicked over. Overall, the streets look nice but parking could be an issue.”

Comparing Haslingden with other town centres, he said: “Burnley is good. There are less empty shops, vape shops and barbers there. In Accrington, we have 39 Turkish barber shops. I also like Great Harwood, which has a record and musical instruments shop. I’ve started buying vinyl LPs again.”

Jason Smith recently moved to Haslingden from Walmsley, Bury. He said: “I think Deardengate looks fantastic and I walk here with my dog. Rossendale town centres generally seem clean and tidy, compared with other towns.

“Years ago, I lived in Crawshawbooth and remember Rawtenstall was disgusting in some parts. But there’s been major investment there and in Haslingden, which can only be good. I think they’ve done a fantastic job around the new Rawtenstall bus station and with food outlets.”

Liz Charles, from Helmshore, said: “It’s really good that Haslingden is being invested in. I’m not sure how the new Big Lamp area will be used but I’d like activities that bring people together.

“Haslingden looked jaded for years so this investment is good. When the swimming pool was closed, it made people question how valued the town was? And Haslingden businesses were impacted during the street works. So now it’d be lovely if people used Haslingden again. Maybe it’s is a place for quicker visits rather than spending longer times’ socialising, like peope do in Rawtenstall?

She added: “I think the traffic on Deardengate feels safer now. But parking space has changed too and I only just found a space nearby today.”

Dave Robinson, from Haslingden, said: “I think the impact of the work on shops was a disgrace and it over-ran for months. I felt terrible for the shopkeepers. However, the place looks better and the one-way traffic system is pretty good.

“I think Haslingden shops are too similar and some of the pubs are a bit rough. More variety would be good, But I do visit the Sienna Italian restaurant, which is really nice, with my wife and sometimes go the Green Squirrel and Woolpack pubs.”

Stephen Moss from Haslingden said: “The street work was completely disorganised and drove some businesses  almost to bankruptcy. For months people could hardly walk down Deardengate.

“I also think there are more pressing priorities for spending money, like helping disabled people, helping with energy costs or helping community charities like Haslingden Men’s Club. Yes, Deardengate looks nice but we need better organisation of projects and better understanding of the community.”

Sitting near the new sculpture was Graham Wood. He said: “I think the street work looks awesome. It’s now a much nicer space and I like the sculpture.

“I can understand people’s frustrations with the disruption but it’s bound to happen with big projects.  But I think Deardengate should have been pedestrianised. People are obsessed with cars and parking but I think the focus should be on people and communities.

“But there are now opportunities to hold events on Deardengate. I run a charity called Wave Adventure, based in Waterfoot, which promotes walking, cycling, climbing and healthy lifestyles. We have a mobile cycle track for  events and it’d be good to get involved with events in Haslingden.”