Council backs £3m. Pendle Hill cash bid

The lottery bid is being led by the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Committee, of which Pendle Council is a part.

Coun. Paul White, who leads on growth and promotion, said: “The bid is designed to raise the profile of Pendle Hill and the wild and beautiful countryside we are so lucky to have on our doorsteps.

“It could be the biggest boost to our tourism economy possibly ever. It really is fantastic news.

“The Forest of Bowland Committee recognises that Pendle Hill is the jewel in the crown of this beautiful corner of Lancashire.

“That’s why Pendle Hill and our surrounding countryside is central to this bid.”

The famous hill is viewed as a huge asset to Pendle, attracting tourists from around the UK and the world and projects including the Pendle Witches Trail and the new Pendle Sculpture Trail have already been initiated.

Consultation with local residents and Pendle Council on the bid will take place and the final bid has to be submitted by May 2015.

The Committee had three initial schemes before a decision to pursue the Pendle Hill project, and as well as getting people out and about, the aim is to boost business in some of Pendle’s rural villages.