Levelling up-7

Final chance to feedback on ambitious plans for East Lancashire

Residents and stakeholders are being asked to share their views on proposals for the £55m Levelling Up East Lancashire programme before the plans are finalised.  

The ambitious programme is made up of £5m funding from Lancashire County Council and an indicative allocation of £50m, which was given by Government in 2023 for investment in specific areas to improve opportunities and everyday life for people.

The council has been working closely with communities in Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale to develop the detailed plans, and thanks everyone who has been involved  so far. 

People across Lancashire are being asked to share their views on the proposals through a short online survey which closes on August 19. The survey is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/EastLancsLUF 

The proposals for the Levelling Up East Lancashire programme include three connected projects known as:

  • Safer, Greener, Healthier Streets. 
  • Accessible and Vibrant Town Centres. 
  • Public Transport Improvements. 

The funding will help deliver improvements to streets, town centres and public spaces to make them safer, more accessible and attractive places to spend time in.  Upgrades to technology at junctions and bus stops will make public transport journeys faster and more reliable, and help people to access work, education, shops, services and green spaces.  

The final plans will be submitted to Government later this year with work expected to start in 2025.  

Drop in sessions will also be held at: 

  • Burnley Library, Grimshaw Street on Monday July 29, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm 
  • Nelson Library, Market Square on Wednesday August 7, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm  
  • Rawtenstall Library, Queen's Square on Thursday August 8, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm 

County Councillor Aidy Riggott-6

County Councillor Aidy Riggott

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council, said:

"Our proposed schemes have been carefully developed to ensure a strategic and joined up approach to delivering wider improvements across East Lancashire that will enhance connectivity and boost our local economy. 

"Thank you to everyone who has worked with us and helped to shape these proposals that will make a real and positive difference to people across the county. The improvements will make it easier for people in Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale to get where they need to go, and access jobs and services." 

Find out more and have your say on the proposals by visiting lancashire.gov.uk/EastLancsLUF by August 19.  

For help accessing the information or survey you can visit your local library to get online, or email to request an alternative format at EastLancsLUF@lancashire.gov.uk 

Notes to editors

In 2023 Lancashire County Council was given an indicative £50 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund following the submission of an ambitious bid. The funding for the East Lancashire scheme was announced as part of a wider package of £200million government awards for the county. 

Since the funding was awarded the council has been working with communities and a wide range of stakeholders to develop more detailed plans which will form part of the Full Business Case to be submitted to Government later this year. 

For more background, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/LUFBid