Rossendale Borough Council has announced that transport links in the area are to be improved thanks to levelling up funding secured by Lancashire County Council.
Improvements to public transport services, active travel and livable neighbourhood schemes are to be supported by £8.8 million worth of funding that was awarded as part of the second phase of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Passenger information displays are to be implemented at 25 key bus stops to improve services, whilst also utilising an intelligent bus priority system that will also reduce journey times for passengers.
Rawtenstall is also set to get a new mobility hub that will serve as a focal point in the new transport network, allowing for the integration of multi-modal infrastructure. Thi will not only maximise the potential for local transport connectivity, but will also encourage active travel between easily accessible public transport.
The improvement of public transport will also be complimented with developments in active travel, such as a new four kilometre route between Haslingden and Rawtenstall. This also includes a Liveable Neighbourhood that could include developments such as raised table crossings, pocket park, wider footways, a cycle route, improved crossing points as well as projects to make mobility, lighting, seating and planting better.
Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Council Leader, said:
“We welcome any funding that Rossendale receives is it means we can help and improve the lives of our residents.
“Transport links across Rossendale are notoriously difficult and we hope that funding from LCC’s levelling up award will help us go some way to improve this.”
Any further work involved in the implementation of these schemes, such as assessment of proposed schemes and public consultation, is the next step and will take place before any more detailed plans are laid.
