The launch of Pendle Council's ambitious £20 million regeneration fund, intended to revitalise Nelson, has been put on hold due to a national review by the incoming Labour government. The Nelson Long Term Town Plan Board, which was set up during the twilight of the previous Tory administration, is one of several similar initiatives launched nationwide.
Michael Gove MP, the former Conservative levelling-up minister, hailed these plans as "new style politics". The structure, with a blend of elected councillors and appointed individuals to make decisions, drew some criticism, including from Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp, deputy leader of Pendle Council, over the proportion of elected officials involved.
Under the initial Conservative guideline, boards like Nelson's faced a stringent summer 2024 deadline to propose viable business cases for potential local investments. However, following the outcome of July's general election, Labour extended this deadline into the autumn, permitting more time for development and consultation—an effort already underway by board members and external consultants in Nelson.
This week, board members were informed of the standstill decision by the nascent Nelson Long Term Plan for Towns Board amid the broader governmental halt of long-term projects. The board said it remained dedicated to Nelson's redevelopment and regeneration.
Claire Bennett, of the charity Positive Action in the Community and chairperson of the Nelson Long Term Town Plan Board, said: "This is a setback but it doesn't change our focus or our dedication. The Long Term Town Plan fund is under review nationally. We remain hopeful we will receive some form of long-term investment for Nelson."
She added: "The work already under-way through [the first] Nelson Town Deal is producing real and visible progress in Nelson and we are determined to keep that momentum going.
"We're actively working on securing alternative resources and exploring innovative solutions that ensure our community thrives if the government decides to move away from Long Term Town funding.
"Public views have helped us to identify key projects that can still proceed, many of which go hand-in-hand with what Pendle Council wants to achieve through Nelson Town Deal."
According to council statements, significant advancements are being made via the existing £25million Nelson Town Deal projects, .
Originating from one of 101 town deals across the country around 2020 with the prior government, this deal focuses on major initiatives including the demolition and redevelopment of Pendle Rise shopping centre, town and traffic enhancements, and business grants aimed at procuring new machinery, reducing emissions or energy use, and improving commercial or industrial property.
Developments in Nelson include enhancing the YES Hub to aid young individuals with their careers and training, upgrading parks and the Pendle Wavelengths leisure centre, as well as boosting arts, culture, and digital skills in collaboration with Nelson and Colne College. Claire Bennet emphasized: "These projects remain key priorities, and we will actively seek out opportunities and strategic partnerships to ensure Nelson continues to move forward."
Echoing this commitment, Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, added: "Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Feedback is playing a vital role in shaping the future of Nelson. I hope people will stay engaged with the projects that will continue to benefit the town by getting involved in upcoming consultations and initiatives."
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