Burnley town centre set for High Street Task Force boost

The task force will see experts brought in to work with Burnley Borough Council, business owners, residents and Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham to bring about a positive change on the high street.

Created in response to the recommendations of the High Streets Expert Panel, which was chaired by entrepreneur Sir John Timpson, it will give stakeholders access to up-to-date behavioural data that will provide insights into consumer habits and information on steps that can be taken to improve Burnley’s town centre.

Mr Higginbotham said: “We now have a roadmap out of these restrictions and as we start to see the economy opening up again we need to be doing all that we can to make our highstreets in Burnley and Padiham attractive, not just to local residents but also those who live in neighbouring towns and villages who will visit our shops, pubs and restaurants.

"As I said during the General Election campaign, I am determined to see our borough get the Government focus we deserve and so I’m delighted that we’re receiving this level of support.

"I’ll continue to do everything possible to support the regeneration of our town centre because I know how important it is for our local economy”.

On top of the new High Street Task Force, Burnley Council is also set to receive further Government funding of £78,000 to help prepare for the safe return of shoppers over the coming months.

Pubs, restaurants and listed buildings are to be given more flexibility to use their land to help more people meet up and enjoy themselves, including erecting marquees in pub gardens for the whole of the summer.

This funding can be used by Burnley Council to:

- Boost the look and feel of the high street by investing in street planting, parks, green spaces and seating areas to make high streets as beautiful and welcoming as possible

- Run publicity campaigns and prepare to hold events like street markets and festivals to support local businesses

- Install signage and floor markings to encourage social distancing and safety

- Improve high streets and town centres by planting flowers or removing graffiti