Ambitious plans for Clitheroe market place upgrade

Clitheroe's market place and the Towneley Gardens in Longridge are earmarked for upgrades, as part of a range of projects by Ribble Valley Council backed by government cash.

Other schemes including a village hall, play area and footpath upgrades are included in a list of plans put forward for potential support by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Councillors on Ribble Valley's Policy & Finance Committee are looking at the proposals this Tuesday, June 18.

At Clitheroe Market, paving resurfacing, stall upgrades, lighting and seating improvements are all proposed for the town centre site, which includes the 'bull ring' area where livestock was sold in years gone by. Other elements include public toilet upgrades. Councillors are being recommended to allocate £250,000 to the market place work. Previously, a lower estimate was suggested of £150,000. But new ideas on resurfacing and materials have now been put forward, raising the cost.

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A council report states: "An alternative resin bound material has been suggested for the inner ring of the bullring to replace the square flagstones and cobble setts. The existing stone flags will be retained and replaced where they have been removed around the outer ring of the bullring.

"It was originally proposed to re-orientate one of the central casual stalls, to create more of a circular stall arrangement around the bullring. However, this raised concerns with the traders and it is now suggested that these stalls are reintroduced following the resurfacing work."

The report says the loss of three casual stalls would mainly impact the Burney's market stall. Removal was suggested purely for aesthetic reasons to create a circular stall layout. However it is now suggested that the stalls are kept because they are well-used and help create a thriving market.

Towneley Gardens event space

At Longridge, there are hopes to develop a Towneley Gardens event space. A council report states a firm called DK Design Associates has put forward a £10,000 bid to the borough council to develop design ideas, visual 'mood boards' and consultation. Previous talks have been held with DK Design and Longridge Town Council. which was interested in developing ideas further. Some images are supplied giving an impression of how a new events space might look.

Ribble Valley councillors on are now recommended to approve paying £10,000 to the firm. Further ideas and detailed designs will be produced. This contract and work will be separate to any future planting and ground work at the Longridge site. DK Design Associates can advise on potential landscapers and can source plants and provide quotes, the council report adds.

Meanwhile at Barrow, councillors are being told progress needs to be made regarding deadlines for a village hall project, Ideas include a community space, car park and an EV electric car charging point, and the local parish council taking ownership of the building, if money is to be allocated. Activity on the site is due in August and September. Other ideas across the Ribble Valley include funding for sports tracks, St Mary's Community Centre, Salthill play area and footpath improvements at Brungerley Park, Clitheroe.