Pendle’s Canal Corridor Development Project

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is a key corridor running through Nelson and Brierfield and offers the potential to act as a catalyst for the area's regeneration. Many environmental organisations work in the Pendle area and a number of small environmental projects have enhanced the canal corridor over the years.  These projects were recently brought together as part of the Canal Corridor Development Project, and we will detail here the aims and history of the project, and tell you how to get involved with the scheme.  You may also want to find out about some of the groups who are already involved with regenerating this important waterway, and you will find information on them in this section.

The Beginning Of The Project

Pendle Partnership secured funding for environmental improvements in the wards of Brierfield, Whitefield and Bradley using the canal as a focus point, and Pendle Borough Council commissioned Groundwork East Lancashire to conduct a study for environmental improvements within the Canal Corridor.  Seven community consulation events in 2002 established that there is broad support for environmental improvements in the canal corridor and, although support varied, it consistently valued most of the themes of the projected strategic framework for the canal corridor.

Observations Resulting From The Consultations

• Many people thought that a minority of users created a nuisance such as skateboarders and motorcyclists. In particular young people’s activities were generally unpopular.
• There was little support for improvements to businesses although there is concern about the negative impact of some businesses on the environment. Most people felt that businesses should invest in their own environment.
• On the other hand there was a lot of support for new business developments such as retail outlets, restaurants, cafes and nightlife.
• Artistic expression provoked the strongest results with opposition to most forms of art. The most popular images were those that were natural and least intrusive on the environment.
• People wanted to see an environment which reflected nature with areas for plant and animal habitats.
• People supported images showing children’s involvement or educational opportunities. 

Agreements Resulting From The Consultations

1. The Strategic Framework for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal should be formally adopted as long as:

• Priority is given to proposed ideas which received strong public support through the consultations.
• The proposed projects reflect the issues of heritage, natural environment and sustainability.
• Proposed projects are subject to further consultation and/or community participation during the design and implementation.

2. That further work is done to identify ways of meeting the needs of young people to see whether there is an opportunity to meet both the  demands of young people and the wider population.

3. That further work is done to ensure that any artistic expression reflects local people's tastes as far as possible and to try and identify what kinds of artistic expression are considered appropriate for local areas.

British Waterways Involvement

On a broader scale, British Waterways, with support from NWDA and English Heritage, has published a Leeds & Liverpool Corridor Study for the whole of East Lancashire, to guide social, economic and environmental regeneration over the next fifteen years. It is intended to inspire potential policy makers, delivery agents and others interested in the canal's future. It includes canal corridor initiatives, identifies areas of development opportunity and identifies key policies and actions for improvement. Our community actions here in Pendle could show the way for many others!

Discovering Project Ideas

To kick-start environmental work within the canal corridor the Small Projects Fund was set up with funding from the North West Development Agency (NWDA) through Pendle Partnership and the New Opportunities Fund. Community/voluntary groups, agencies and authorities are invited to put forward their own project ideas which fit into the Strategic Framework using the Expression Of Interest Form. These ideas are considered by the Canal Corridor Stakeholder Group, which includes representatives from the Environment Agency, British Waterways, Pendle Borough Council, Pendle Partnership and Pendle Community Network, and meets on a monthly basis.

Do you have an idea for a new project?  Find out how to express your interest .