A 17-year-old girl from Darwen has tragically died in a three-car crash on the M65 motorway, just after 3.05am on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called at around 3.37am to Junction 9 eastbound on the M65 near Burnley, where multiple severe injuries and one casualty were reported.

After being transported to a nearby hospital for immediate care, a comprehensive assessment of the girl’s condition confirmed that she had suffered from multiple severe injuries caused by the crash, which unfortunately proved fatal.

The girl’s other teenage companions in a Seat Ibiza also suffered severe injuries.

Det Sgt Martin Wilcock from the Road Policing Unit says the investigation is ongoing and is asking for witnesses and information about the collision.

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The M65 was closed between Junctions 8 and 10 for several hours as police investigated the scene.

Drivers experienced significant delays and gridlock throughout East Lancashire following the closure, with alternative routes like Burnley Road and Whinney Hill Road heavily congested. Traffic began to ease by midday, and the road reopened at 1 p.m.

Officials expressed condolences

Local politicians have extended their condolences to the families involved, with MP for Rossendale and Darwen Andy Macnae considering this a truly tragic incident.

Burnley’s Liberal Democrats leader, Gordon Birtwistle, expressed sorrow over the tragic situation, acknowledging the loss of life, the injured individual in hospital, and the profound impact on the families involved.

On the other hand, Burnley MP Oliver Ryan also offered his sympathies.

My thoughts are first and foremost with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life.

MP Oliver Ryan

In a bid to gather more information about the tragic incident, Lancashire Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or possesses footage of the crash to contact the station as soon as possible.

A group of 31 siblings whose family members are cared for at the Derian House Children’s Hospice recently visited the Pendle Ski Club in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

This marked a significant milestone for numerous members of this group, as they embarked on their inaugural skiing adventure, commencing the day with a comprehensive beginner’s lesson aimed at equipping them with the fundamental knowledge and techniques required to navigate the pistes.

As the children’s excitement and anticipation reached a fever pitch, they eagerly donned their inflatable rubber rings and embarked on a fun-filled tubing adventure down the slopes.

Smiles all round as youngsters enjoy tubing

In a heartwarming display of generosity, the Pendle Ski Club committee had carefully prepared goodie bags packed with an assortment of tasty treats and meaningful mementoes for the young visitors.

To bring an already extraordinary day to a close, the club presented the young visitors with scrumptious cake and made their day even more unforgettable by arranging a meet-and-greet with Olympian Chemmy Alcott, who kindly signed photos for every single child.

Thanks to the Pendle Ski Club’s remarkable fundraising campaign, which had reached a total of £555, the siblings from Derian House were able to enjoy an unforgettable day and form lasting memories that would stay with them throughout their lives.

Derian House Children’s Hospice serves as an essential resource providing multifaceted care and support services to families requiring assistance throughout Lancashire.

Initiatives such as this one serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of collective efforts to make a profoundly positive impact on people’s lives within local communities.

Through supporting local causes and attending community-driven activities, residents play an essential role in cultivating a more harmonious and interconnected society.

The multi-million-pound project to revamp Rawtenstall Market in Lancashire is moving forward, with local traders actively involved in discussions about the future of the market during refurbishment. Rossendale Borough Council has made trader engagement a priority as part of its larger plan to transform the town into a commercial and tourist hub.

Traders’ input welcomed

During a recent consultation meeting, traders were allowed to share their thoughts on trading arrangements throughout the renovation period. Many expressed satisfaction with the council’s effort to involve them in the decision-making process. The council presented a range of options to ensure businesses could continue to operate, receiving positive feedback from both traders and officials.

This consultation is part of Rossendale Borough Council’s wider strategy to support local economies by rejuvenating town centres and markets across the borough. Rawtenstall Market plays a pivotal role in this strategy, with the council keen to maintain the market’s vibrancy while upgrading its facilities.

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Market transformation under way

The regeneration of Rawtenstall Market is a key feature of the council’s MasterPlan, which aims to boost the local economy and attract visitors to the town. The refurbishment, expected to modernise the market, will incorporate improvements designed to support both traders and consumers.

As the project progresses, the council hopes to enhance the market’s status as a central hub for community interaction and business development.

Don't forget to attend tonight's Foodie Friday at Rawtenstall Market!

And don't forget to speak to us about the plans for the new Rawtenstall Market?

Your input matters, and we're here to listen! We will be at the market from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. pic.twitter.com/JtKgUX4uka

— Rossendale Borough Council (@RossendaleBC) April 26, 2024

Ongoing community involvement

The council has pledged to keep the public and traders informed as the refurbishment continues. Further updates are expected soon, as feedback from the community will help shape the project’s next steps. The council’s proactive approach to involving traders ensures that the renovation will align with the needs of the local business community, whilst also fostering long-term growth for the area.

Long-term benefits

Once completed, the investment in Rawtenstall Market is expected to bring significant benefits to both local businesses and residents. By creating a more modern, attractive space for commerce, the council is looking to stimulate economic activity and increase footfall, ultimately strengthening the market’s role as a key commercial asset for Rawtenstall.

George Young, an 18-year-old from Stacksteads, has emerged victorious at the World Gravy Wrestling Championships, held at the Rose ‘N’ Bowl pub in Rossendale. The yearly event, which is noted for its unique and entertaining nature, featured athletes wrestling in a pool of gravy for two-minute bouts.

Local competitors shine in gravy wrestling

Young, a Stacksteads local, surprised many by winning the men’s title after advancing through multiple rounds. He attributed his performance to “bigger moves” and proper pacing. “I thought I’d be out early,” Young stated, but he was overjoyed with his victory. His family celebrated with a gravy-soaked hug, and his mother was ecstatic.

The competition goes beyond wrestling, highlighting fun and creativity. This year, it brought both residents and visitors, all competing for the trophy and a £100 award. Young’s win brought him local fame and a cherished spot in the community.

Highlights from the competition

The event, now in its 16th year, continues to be a significant occasion for the community. Aside from Young’s victory, the women’s competition featured standout performances. Christine Rogers, who competed as “Barbie Que,” won the women’s title after six attempts and is still processing the reality of her victory.

Meanwhile, Hannah Havard, 30, participated in the championships, describing her experience as “wild” and “one of the weirdest things” she had ever done. Despite being a novice, Havard, who competed in a fluffy Dalmatian onesie, made it through the first round before being knocked out in the second. Her unique costume, whilst entertaining, proved to be a challenge as it absorbed a significant amount of gravy, making movement difficult.

Harvard, who was raising funds for Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull, enjoyed the supportive and festive atmosphere of the competition. “The crowd and other contestants were fantastic, backing each other up,” she said. The event’s spirit of fun and camaraderie made it a memorable experience for all involved.

The World Gravy Wrestling Championships continue to attract both locals and visitors, celebrating community spirit through a fun and unusual competition.

Waterfoot in Rossendale is set to undergo a significant transformation with a new £20 million masterplan designed to boost the town’s appeal for both residents and visitors. This ambitious plan includes projects focused on improving public spaces, enhancing safety, and promoting outdoor activities.

Illuminating railway tunnels and public art projects

One of the master plan’s immediate priorities is to work with local artists to revitalise Waterfoot via public art projects. Murals, street furniture, and other creative pieces will be installed in prominent locations throughout the city. Furthermore, the proposal intends to repair the lighting of historic railway tunnels, which will not only increase safety but also add to the town’s scenic attractiveness. This project is part of a larger community engagement initiative, with events and activities planned for both locals and visitors.

From bus circles to town squares

A key feature of the masterplan involves redesigning Waterfoot’s existing bus turning circle into a vibrant town square. This new public space will include an expanded children’s play area and may also feature local businesses such as cafés, creating a lively community hub. Improved signage will be installed throughout the town to help visitors easily navigate to important sites, such as car parks and walking trails.

Revitalise heritage sites and promote outdoor tourism

Over the following five to ten years, the masterplan envisions increasingly ambitious initiatives, such as the renovation of Trickett’s Arcade and the revitalisation of abandoned textile factories. These old structures will be rehabilitated and repurposed, combining Waterfoot’s industrial past with contemporary demands. The concept also involves the creation of a scenic riverfront path along the River Irwell, which will connect with existing walking and cycling routes to form a linear park.

Looking ahead, Waterfoot is envisioned as a key hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with plans to build a “base camp” for those exploring the Pennine Bridleway, the Mary Towneley Loop, and other area trails. The proposal includes a variety of lodging choices, such as campsites, hostels, and hotels, to accommodate the expanding number of people visiting the area.

By blending its historical roots with modern amenities, Waterfoot’s masterplan aims to make the town a key destination in Rossendale, offering a perfect mix of leisure, wellness, and outdoor adventure.

Rossendale Borough Council is urging buyers to look into the potential of two old public toilet blocks, which offer an exciting prospect for innovative refurbishment. These locations provide a unique opportunity to turn unused spaces into thriving new enterprises or community assets. The sale is part of the council’s larger drive to adapt historic assets and promote creative uses of local resources.

Details about the properties

The two accessible sites are located in Edenfield and Stacksteads. The Edenfield facility, which has been shuttered for around ten years, and the Stacksteads property, which was shut down during the COVID outbreak, both have distinct opportunities for transformation. These structures are connected to key services such as power and water, making them suitable for a variety of uses. The Edenfield property has a large outdoor space that is perfect for extension, and the Stacksteads site, while smaller, has its own set of unique possibilities.

Successful conversions and future opportunities

Rossendale Borough Council points to a strong track record of comparable conversions. Public toilets in the UK have been converted into a variety of establishments, including residences, holiday lets, restaurants, pubs, cafés, and even a theatre in Newport, Wales. Locally, a disused toilet block has been transformed into a barbershop, with plans to convert another into a cyclists’ café. This history of successful changes indicates the potential that these locations have.

Chris Grundy, the Council’s Senior Property Officer, feels these facilities would be suitable for a variety of uses, including charity offices, commercial spaces, coffee shops, and even ice cream parlours.

The council’s call for innovation

The council encourages potential buyers to “fulfil your dream” of upgrading these buildings for the sake of the community. Local Councillor Adrian Lythgoe notes that the successful renovation of similar locations demonstrates that these properties may be usefully repurposed.

These structures, which were once essential to community infrastructure, are now poised for a fresh lease of life thanks to inventive redevelopment. This auction not only offers a unique investment opportunity, but it also helps to revitalise local communities.

Rossendale Borough Council has taken legal action against a local farm, Hey Head Farm in Bacup, for improperly storing large quantities of waste materials. The Environment Agency alerted the council’s Public Protection Unit after discovering thousands of tonnes of controlled waste on the premises, leading to a Community Protection Warning being issued.

The warning demanded that Hey Head Farm Holdings Ltd remove the unlawful waste and cease depositing more of the said material on the site. Despite this directive, the farm did not comply, prompting the council to issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN) outlining the same demands.

Legal action on waste mismanagement

Initially given until the end of October 2022 to adhere to the CPN, the operator eventually faced prosecution in June 2024 for non-compliance.

Hey Head Farm Holdings Ltd pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court and was fined nearly £5,000, including a £3,000 fine, a £1,200 victim surcharge, and £700 in costs.

This successful prosecution sends a clear message that Rossendale will not tolerate any actions that compromise the safety of our community and environment

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Rossendale Council’s lead member for Environmental and Corporate Services, stated that the prosecution’s success clearly signals the district’s firm stance against any actions that endanger the safety of its community and environment.

He emphasised that the council’s primary goal is to provide a high-quality environment throughout the borough, with a strong commitment to enforcing environmental regulations so that residents can enjoy a clean and safe living space.

The council urges all Rossendale community members to actively participate in safeguarding the area’s environmental well-being by reporting any suspected environmental crimes through the borough’s dedicated reporting system.

The successful outcome of Rossendale Borough Council’s legal action against Hey Head Farm signifies their unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of both the environment and community members within their jurisdiction. By taking a strong position against improper waste storage, they continue to uphold environmental regulations and ensure a healthier, more sustainable borough for residents.

The much-loved community swimming pool at Whitworth Leisure Centre in Rossendale, which faced the threat of closure last year, will welcome visitors again in August.

Last year, Whitworth Leisure Centre’s ownership was transferred from Rossendale Council to a not-for-profit community interest company. The centre, which features a pool and gym facilities, serves the Whitworth community and local schools. It also caters to nearby communities across the borough boundary in Rochdale.

Prior to the pandemic, Whitworth Leisure Centre was managed by Rossendale Leisure Trust, a charity organisation that oversees council-owned leisure centres. In the years leading up to the transfer, repair and maintenance issues and their associated costs were frequently discussed at Rossendale Council meetings.

At the latest full council meeting, Councillor Alan Neal provided an update on Whitworth Leisure Centre CIC’s progress. He said that repairs are underway, the refilled swimming pool is not leaking, and the centre aims to reopen by the end of August.

Community action and future plans

Last summer, Rossendale Borough Council closed the leisure centre following financial recommendations from independent advisers Grant Thornton. Protests ensued as local residents and community members rallied against the closure plan of their beloved centre, citing concerns over the loss of swimming lessons for schoolchildren and overall health and social opportunities.

The Rossendale community also highlighted how higher proportions of council budgets are dedicated towards statutory services, potentially impacting sport and leisure offerings.

As a result, the Whitworth Leisure Centre Community Interest Company was established and took over the running of the facility. Whitworth Town Council has supported this initiative by providing funding and resources.

Since taking possession of the centre, volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring it back to life. A crowdfunding campaign was launched to generate financial support for the ongoing renovations.

The change in ownership came following Rossendale Council’s decision to close the Whitworth Centre due to a pressing budget deficit that could put both the council and the Rossendale Leisure Trust at significant financial risk.