Resurfacing works to be done overnight to minimise disruption in Nelson

Work to transform key routes in Nelson town centre is progressing well with the Accessible Nelson project gearing up to complete.

Resurfacing works will be carried out overnight as part of the next phase of the scheme, helping to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and visitors while essential improvements are made.

They will be begin at the end of September and will continue until early November.

The Accessible Nelson project is updating seven locations across the town, making roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, while helping to improve traffic flow.

The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council and forms part of the wider £25 million Nelson Town Deal, which is helping to create a brighter future for the town.

Funding has also been provided by Lancashire County Council and the UK Government through Levelling Up East Lancashire and Active Travel funds.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “We know these works have caused some disruption and we would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience and understanding while the improvements are being made. We are pleased that the project is progressing well and is now expected to be completed by November.

“Wherever possible, we are working to minimise disruption, including carrying out resurfacing works overnight. We are confident these changes will make a real difference to everyone who lives, works and visits Nelson.”

The project is creating safer, more attractive and better-connected routes into and through Nelson.

The high-quality public realm already established in the town centre will be extended, while improvements will make walking and cycling easier and safer.

Councillor Mahmood added: “By improving traffic flow and reducing congestion, we can create a better balance for all road users and help reduce carbon emissions.

“The improvements being delivered will help create a town centre that is more accessible and welcoming for everyone.”

Stephen Barnes, Chair of the Nelson Town Deal Board, said: “The scheme will deliver wider footways, improved crossings and better-managed traffic, creating a town centre that works more effectively for everyone. The decision to carry out resurfacing works overnight will help reduce the impact on people travelling through Nelson and on local businesses during the day.”

As part of the improvements, new trees are being planted along key routes to create greener, more attractive gateways into Nelson and a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

County Councillor Brian Moore, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, added: "The Accessible Nelson project is a major investment in the town and is aimed at delivering improvements that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.

"Working closely with Pendle Borough Council and our other partners, we're creating safer, more attractive and better-connected routes that should make it easier for people to walk, cycle and travel around the town."

The former Pendle Rise shopping centre is now being demolished and plans for the site have been carefully coordinated to minimise disruption and ensure surrounding highway improvements are fully integrated with future redevelopment plans.