New-look Nelson town centre opens

New trees are taking root in the large amphitheatre which surrounds the Nelson Shuttle sculpture, and flowers and greenery are being planted there.

Chairman of Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee Coun. Nadeem Younis said: “I urge all Pendle people to come and take a look at the new Nelson. It’s a radical improvement and vital people take a fresh look.”

Debbie Taylor, Pendle Council’s landscape architect, has been choosing the plants and trees. She said: “We’ve planted semi-mature trees including lime, ornamental pear and hornbeam along the town centre’s new boulevard.

“These are traditional urban street trees which will liven up the area with beautiful green leaves and blossom.

“And in the central amphitheatre space we’ve chosen topiary balls, box shaped trees, and colourful grasses. The town centre will look different every season.”

A fun-packed day lined up for everyone to launch the new-look, with a colourful car art parade, Lancashire dialect poetry readings, a chopper dash and live music.

Drivers need to note the changes to the road layout in the new, improved Nelson Town Centre.

The flow of traffic at the top of Carr Road has changed direction. Drivers can no longer turn right from Carr Road into the car park. They may turn left or go straight forward.

At the Manchester Road junction going towards the town centre, drivers can now drive straight into the town centre.

Black tubes with Lancashire dialect on them have been installed around the amphitheatre.

Hanna said: “A huge thank you to our cube sponsors – their support has helped us to create an open space, which visitors can enjoy for years to come.”

The sponsors are Nelson Town Council (three cubes), Nelson Area Committee (a cube dedicated to entertainer Jack Ingham), Mrs Boothman, Dee McInnes, James Wood, Julie Lyle, Lighting and Illumination Technology Experience, and Hardscape.