Council approves Lanehead Lane improvements with Bacup Pride

The project builds on years of volunteer care and heritage interest from Bacup Pride, who have long championed Lanehead Lane and raised awareness of its historic memorials.

In 2024, Bacup Pride volunteers and local residents, supported by Rossendale Borough Council’s Green Spaces Team, cleared dense vegetation and uncovered headstones dating back to the 1700s - some of the oldest in the borough. That discovery sparked a wider partnership project to celebrate the site’s heritage and improve biodiversity across the woodland and surrounding green space, including new wildflower areas, hedgerows, native planting and woodland management to help bugs, butterflies, birds and small mammals thrive.

The Council’s decision means the scheme will now be added to the Capital Programme, allowing officers to move forward with the formal procurement of contractors. The decision remains subject to the Council’s call-in process. This will enable improvements including upgraded and accessible paths, woodland management, native planting, new seating areas and measures to support biodiversity across the site.

Bacup Pride has also submitted a £92,000 Heritage Lottery application to support a programme of community activities, educational sessions, surveys and a launch event. The Council has formally noted the application, and will act as the accountable body if it is successful.

Councillor Andrew Walmsley, Lead Member for Resources at Rossendale Borough Council, said: “This project simply wouldn’t exist without the dedication of Bacup Pride volunteers. Their commitment to caring for Lanehead Lane and championing its heritage has shaped the vision from day one. We’re proud to support them, alongside Proffitts CIC and the Council’s Green Spaces Team, who have all played an important part in bringing the project forward.”

“It’s been a real partnership effort and I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements take shape.”