Conservation area could be boost for town's economy

WATERFOOT could be given conservation area status, which supporters say will help economic regeneration, boost its appearance and raise public awareness of its important features.

- BY ROBBIE MACDONALD

Rossendale Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee has approved a draft Waterfoot conservation area appraisal and management plan.

Discussions also included ownership of Trickett's Arcade, an important Victorian building with a canopy which attracted thousands when it first opened but currently has a number of empty shop units facing the street and a covered market hall-type space inside. Some businesses are based there.

Public consultation about Waterfoot is due to start soon for four weeks, before a conservation area is designated.

Public input is wanted, including on any changes to the proposed boundary. Final approval is expected later this year.

The plans were discussed at the latest overview committee meeting with councillors and officers.

Officer Anne Storah outlined the new consultation and issues in Waterfoot.

She said: “There are likely to be drop-in consultation events, social media posts and other input.

“A final version of the conservation area proposals will be put to the cabinet later this year for formal adoption.

“The main threats in Waterfoot are seen as unsympathetic materials on buildings, clutter, unnecessary signs, unauthorised work and empty or underused buildings.”

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