This East Lancashire town is one of the best places to live in the …
A Lancashire town has been hailed one of the best places to live in the North West.
But as a Rossendale[1] borough councillor said, ‘the people who live there know it’s a great place to be.’
Rawtenstall was featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023 list, praised for its ‘good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery’.
After the news was announced in March, Councillor Steve Hughes, who represents Longholme ward, said: “The people who live there and have lived there for a long time know it’s a great place to be.
“We get people coming in from the cities to live there, there’s some fantastic new bars and restaurants and the local economy is now thriving – long may it continue.”
The community has united to spruce up Rawtenstall for their national entry in Britain in Bloom, after huge success last year.
Sue Shuttleworth, Chair of Civic Pride, with one of many railing baskets that are already brightening up Rawtenstall
Civic Pride Rossendale did so well in its inaugural entry in the North West in Bloom ‘Your Town’ category – winning gold, it was selected to become the North West’s entry in the national competition this year.
Chair of Civic Pride Sue Shuttleworth said: “So far, all is going well. We are busy prepping and painting the bollards, and have just had the railing baskets put in.
“We are aiming for the changes we make to be cost-effective, green, and sustainable. We want this to be repurposed for the whole year, not just a few weeks.
“We need to show that Rawtenstall is not just a one-trick pony. Creative things are also going on. There is a place for everyone here, and always something to do.”
Volunteers have already started planting more than 7,000 annuals, 1,200 geraniums, and sunflowers all over Rawtenstall in preparation for the town being judged.
The local theme this year is sunflowers, slippers, and sparrows, with slippers being a nod to the industry that once dominated Rossendale’s past.
Over the summer, judges will be attending on three occasions for Northwest in Bloom, It’s Your Neighbourhood and the national Britain in Bloom competition.
Cultural gem The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery,Haslingden Road is now putting Rawtenstall and Rossendale on the national and international map.
The Whitaker
Following the completion of a £2.2million extension and renovation of the former Rossendale Museum, the venue now attracts business[2] bookings, major international artists to exhibit in various gallery spaces, is a venue for weddings, a hub for events, community group meetings and much more.
Transformation began in June 2019 when Rossendale Borough Council, working in partnership with The Whitaker, secured a £1.7million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and added nearly £200,000 to convert the former barn and stables; further grants were added later.
Initial plans had been for works to be completed by August 2020, however no-one predicted Covid.
Construction to create the extension which forms the café and bar and event space in what was the former stables, started on site in June 2020.
As the country struggled to recover from the pandemic, the sight of The Whitaker being transformed was a seen as a beacon of positivity in times of uncertainty.
A merger was announced between The Whitaker and Rossendale Leisure Trust in June 2021 leading to the formation of a Community Interest Company.
A month later, the doors opened and the public walked in. The centre has gone from strength-to-strength.
Almost two years later, The Whitaker had welcomed more than 45,000 visitors — 77 per cent from Rossendale — and 11,500 people had taken part in special events.
Rossendale Council Leader Councillor Alyson Barnes said: “I am delighted that the council was able to attract the investment needed to make sure The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery has a secure future.
“It is a first-class free attraction, that not only preserves Rossendale’s heritage its gallery space gives a home to inspiring, new and challenging artists.”
Rawtenstall is also home to the East Lancashire Railway (ELR). Operating steam trains from Bolton Street Station in Bury, along a 12.5-mile line between Heywood, in Greater Manchester, and ending the line in Rawtenstall.
As a registered charity, the ELR relies heavily on an army of 800 dedicated volunteers — many who live in Lancashire.
Rawtenstall Station on the East Lancashire Railway
A six-week campaign is running until July 16, called Love Your Railway. Its aim is to shine a spotlight on heritage railway organisations and all their hard work, from educating people to providing local jobs.
LOVE LANCASHIRE: 10 photographs that will make you proud to live in the Red Rose County[3]
Mike Kelly, chairman at East Lancashire Railway, said: “The ELR is home to a wealth of industrial history, education and entertainment stretched across our 12.5 mile line, from Bury to Rawtenstall.
“The Love Your Railway campaign is shining a light on the incredible work that takes place at our railway, from restoration work on locomotives to running events and dining experiences for rail enthusiasts and the local community to enjoy.
“It also emphasises the importance of volunteers to keep the railway running. As a registered charity we rely heavily on the hard work of over 800 dedicated volunteers who successfully week in, week out work in a number of roles across the railway. They ensure all aspects of running steam and diesel trains creates a great day out and that guests can enjoy a drink in our two pubs or grab a snack from our buffets and pop into our shops for a souvenir.
“We are proud to have been a part of the local community since the 1800s and we are a gateway to the variety of incredible events and attractions throughout the Irwell Valley and across to Heywood in Rochdale.”
And how many towns can say they have their very own ski slope? The Hill Rossendale celebrated its 50th anniversary just earlier this month, with a packed day of events to mark the golden anniversary of The Hill, the home of Ski Rossendale.
Tubing fun at The Hill’s 50th birthday celebrations. (Image: Catherine Smyth)
Manager Dave Fuller said: “The Hill is a place for everybody, young and not so young, families, clubs, individuals and children. Everyone can come here and have a slide.
“It’s been about celebrating 50 years of this unique and iconic place.”
A Rawtenstall business that is flying the flag for the town is IoT Horizon, New Hall Hey Road.
It is described as ‘an innovative company developing novel solutions that use the latest technology to solve complex technical problems’.
IoT Horizon is among the first recipients of the Made Smarter Awards, which celebrate excellence in manufacturing.
The business has also doubled its turnover and recruited four new members of staff.
Deyrick Allen, managing director, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this award.”
IoT Horizon with Deyrick Allen, Managing Director, on left
Donna Edwards, director of Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, said: “We are delighted to launch our first Made Smarter Awards and hope that recipients will wear them like a badge of honour to inspire others around them.”
References
- ^ Rossendale (www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ business (www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ LOVE LANCASHIRE: 10 photographs that will make you proud to live in the Red Rose County (www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)