Bacup Market Trader Launches Petition After Renovation Project Fails

The council planned to fix Bacup Market and Union Street, with a project cost of £8.3 million. However, traders had to leave during the work. The council then had planning talks, speaking with highways and flood experts.

The project became too pricey to continue, and the council now wants to spend the money better. They might change the market plans, or make wider town improvements instead. This means money might go to other projects and won’t just be for the market.

Market traders are quite angry now, feeling the plan was unrealistic. One volunteer, Jayde Holme, made a petition to bring the market back. She thinks the council messed up badly and ruined their livelihoods, believing the plan was never right for Bacup, unlike Rawtenstall.

Jayde kept asking for updates, but she feels they ignored her. She says shops should reopen at the market, with renovations occurring around them. Bacup Market needs to reopen fast because everyone supports each other there. She urged, “Give us back our market!” and let’s restore the town’s heart.

Sue Holt, who owns Sue’s Cafe, said the council does not understand, and moving hurt her and caused her sadness. She thought the plan was not possible, especially after working there twelve years. Dragging a business hurts so much, and she feels the council does not realize that. She saw no reason to shut the market.

Council leader Alyson Barnes stated that this is a chance to change goals. She wants the best use of money through the Bacup 2040 vision. The council will improve the whole town, not just focus on one spot. National changes give them more choices to change plans more freely.

The council has more time now to make the plans better, ensuring the best results for Bacup. They will adapt the plans now, desiring big changes for Bacup. They will reflect community needs and hope to achieve gains for the town with these new chances.