Major regeneration scheme set to get underway next month

Work is expected to start at the end of September on the ‘central garden’ area of the highly-anticipated project, which will also feature tree-lined footpaths, new lighting, new parking bays, and a new ‘gateway’ sign in Station Road near the Hob Inn.

There will also be new bus shelters, improvements to the railway station area and the end of Club Street, with the help of Baxi.

Bamber Bridge Councillor Paul Foster said materials have been ordered to start on phase one of the scheme around the centre of the town near Morrisons, Scartop Pine, Gee Tee’s and Trades Hall.

He said: “The improvements to the high street will be fantastic.

“Bamber Bridge is a highly over-developed area and South Ribble Council and the City Deal have come up trumps with this.

“Hopefully it will bring more new businesses into the area and will increase footfall.

He added: “The council has placed all the orders and work will be starting very very soon.

“Things have been delayed a while because of ongoings at South Ribble, but we’ve been banging on the door about this, and have managed to pull things back.”

Walton-le-Dale West Councillor Mike Nelson said: “It’s going to put Bamber Bridge on the map, really make it a nice environment, which is something we’re very keen on in South Ribble.

“We’re really working hard in the Eastern area to do things for local residents.”

The work is being funded by South Ribble Borough Council’s capital programme and the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.