Lancashire County Council: Environment Directorate: Local Transport Plan

4.3 East Lancashire

East Lancashire

4.3.1 About Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley is the largest district in Lancashire in terms of area but the smallest in population - around 54,000. It covers over 244 square miles, most of which are within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ribble Valley has three urban centres in Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley. In addition, there are over 40 villages, including Dunsop Bridge which lies at the very centre of the British Isles. Many of these villages have changed very little over the years and bring a unique set of transport issues with them.

The Borough can claim one of the lowest levels of unemployment in the country at 0.7% and boasts one of the best standards of living in the North. Not surprisingly in such a prosperous and rural district, car ownership is the highest in Lancashire.

4.3.2 District Communications

Ribble Valley has many small rural communities and sense of community and place is strong. Transport is recognised in the Community Plan as the most important issue and is first in the list of Community Plan priorities.

Ribble Valley lies within the triangle of strategic roads formed by the M6 and A6, the A65 and the trans-Pennine A59, with links to the parallel M65. The network of roads in the Forest of Bowland is very sparse. Ribble Valley faces the issues associated with its rural nature, namely poor accessibility, high dependence on the private car and a meagre public transport network. Traffic congestion is not a widespread problem but there is conflict between pedestrians and traffic in shopping centres.

Public transport plays a vital role in many parts of the dispersed community. Despite the high level of car ownership, 15% of households do not possess a car. Great care is required to identify and meet the travel needs of the people who have neither a car nor access to conventional bus services, and services in such a rural area are costly to operate. Ribble Valley benefits from many innovative forms of bus service, but these services have to work hard to effectively cover the large distances with low populations. Services operate from Clitheroe Interchange, which provides an important link between bus and train services. A network of rural Quality Bus services serves the area around Clitheroe and Bowland Transit runs to Settle. The Ribble Valley Rider offers a Dial-a-Ride service and Ribble Valley Community Transport offers further local services. Whalley bus station has been improved and the X40 service, branded The Lancashire Way, runs hourly from there into Manchester.

There is a direct train service from Citheroe to Manchester with connections east and west at Blackburn. The Bowland Transit bus provides a link to Giggleswick station on the Carnforth-Skipton-Leeds line and to Settle on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line.

Cyclists come out to Ribble Valley from the surrounding built-up areas to enjoy the attractive countryside and rural lanes. With over 10 character routes and over 500 miles of mapped cycleways, Ribble Valley has a great attraction for cyclists and cycling is an important aspect of its tourism development. Networks of Quiet Lanes and Greenways have been established around Chipping and Slaidburn and improvements like these promote walking and cycling on local journeys by residents and on leisure trips by visitors who support the local economy. Ribble Valley and Pendle share a Cycle Improvement Programme with a significant number of cycle schemes and annual events. Additional work could be undertaken by a shared cycle officer.

4.3.3 Existing Conditions and Linkages

The measures developed for the LTP target the issues that Ribble Valley faces; accessibility to services, social inclusion and improving the pedestrian environment.

Ribble Valley has a unique position and needs. The Community Plan and Community Strategy provide a vision and strategy for the future. A Transport Strategy for Ribble Valley would give a long term vision and identify actions to address the needs of the valley for the next 20 years. The report 'Clitheroe-the Future' outlines the community’s aims for the town centre. Transport improvements are a priority; in particular improvements for pedestrians in the busy shopping streets of Clitheroe to improve safety and the environment and to reinforce its market town status. Contributions for the Ribble Valley link to;

Community Strategy
Clitheroe - the Future report
Lancashire Rural Partnership and Rural Futures
Forest of Bowland AONB Management Plan
Market Town Action Plans
Village Action Plans
Parish Partnerships.

The Rights of Way Improvement Plan will contribute to the aims of the County Council and the LTP. Projects identified so far to increase access to the countryside include;

Safe Road Crossings at Pendleton and Chatburn
cycling schemes at Gisburn
extension of Bridleway network around Gisburn Forest
extension of Bridleway network around Higham
Pennine Bridleway link from Sawley.

The Lancashire Rural Delivery Pathfinder will examine access to services and its value to the community in the Forest of Bowland and West Lancashire.

4.3.4 Journey to Work

In all but two of the Lancashire districts, the proportion of people travelling less than 5km to work is well above the national average. However, in Fylde and Ribble Valley, Lancashire’s two most prosperous districts, the proportion falls to 35% and 34% respectively. Ribble Valley has a long history as a commuter dormitory but also has a particularly high proportion, 13%, of people working at or from home. Nevertheless, 23% of journeys to work are under 2km and 34% are under 5km. Many more of these could be transferred to foot and bicycle.

Table 4.3.4a Car Ownership in Households %

	No Car	One Car	Two Cars	Three plus Cars	Cars/Household
Ribble Valley	15	44	33	5	1.39
Lancashire	25	45	24	6	1.12
North West	30	44	22	4	1.02
England & Wales	27	43	24	6	1.11

Table 4.3.4b Journey to Work by Mode %

	Working from home	Metro, light rail or tram	Train	Bus or coach	Motor cycle	Car driver	Pass enger	Taxi	Bicycle	On foot	Other
Ribble Valley	13.0	0.0	0.7	2.2	0.9	64.5	5.7	0.2	2.0	10.5	0.5
Lancashire	9.0	0.1	1.0	6.3	1.0	59.4	8.0	0.8	2.4	11.5	0.5
North West	8.4	0.6	1.9	8.6	0.9	58.4	7.5	0.8	2.3	10.3	0.5
England & Wales	9.2	3.0	4.1	7.4	1.1	55.2	6.3	0.5	2.8	10.0	0.5

Source: Census 2001

4.3.5 Key Schemes for Ribble Valley

There has been regular consultation and participation with the Local Strategic Partnership as well as meetings with Ribble Valley Borough Council to develop schemes to meet the LTP objectives. The key schemes for Ribble Valley are;

Ribble Valley Multi-Modal Transport Study
Ribble Valley Rural Transport Improvements
Community Links in Ribble Valley
Countryside Access in Ribble Valley
Active Travel in Ribble Valley.

The table lists the five key schemes and their impact on the four shared transport priorities.

Table 4.3.5

Summary of Key Schemes in Ribble Valley and their expected impact
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Shared Priority
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Congestion	Accessibility	Safer Roads	Air Quality
Ribble Valley Multi-Modal Transport Study	Ribble Valley	Ribble Valley and neighbouring districts	All modes	Study will recommend appropriate measures to meet all these objectives.
Ribble Valley Rural Transport Improvements	Ribble Valley	Ribble Valley	Bus Rail	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows.	Easier access to work, education, healthcare and leisure.	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and improve safety.	Car journeys transferred to bus will improve air quality.
Community Links in Ribble Valley	Ribble Valley	Ribble Valley	Demand Responsive Bus Dial-a-Ride Bus Scooter	Reduced travel to reach services.	Easier access to health and education opportunities and local produce.	Reduced travel to reach services.	Reduced travel to reach services.
Countryside Access in Ribble Valley	Ribble Valley	Ribble Valley	Walking Cycling Horse riding	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will reduce traffic flows.	Easier access for residents and tourists to the countryside and active travel.	Quiet Roads and off road paths will improve safety for walkers, cyclists and riders.	Car journeys transferred to sustainable modes will improve air quality.
Active Travel in Ribble Valley	Clitheroe, Longridge and Ribble Valley	Clitheroe, Longridge and Ribble Valley	Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will reduce traffic flows.	Increased access to schools and services on foot and by cycle.	Safer access to schools and services on foot an by cycle.	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will improve air quality.

4.3.6 Ribble Valley Multi-Modal Transport Study

Ribble Valley is a unique district with a variety of transport needs. There is a need to examine them clearly and to produce a strategy for transport improvements across Ribble Valley as a priority. A multi-modal transport study and strategy to address the conflicting needs of the Valley is required. High car ownership and use must be balanced by sustainable public transport services to meet the needs of all people to access services and to promote social inclusion. The study and resulting transport strategy will complement local studies; the Community Strategy, the report Clitheroe - the Future, Village Action Plans and Market Towns Action Plans. Parallel studies of the main towns - Clitheroe, Whalley and Longridge - should consider pedestrianisation schemes and Streetscene improvements as well as traffic management improvements. The Parking Strategy should be considered within this too.

The Ribble Valley Transport Strategy will follow the Lancashire Rural Delivery Pathfinder and set a long term course and actions to address the needs of the valley for the next 20 years.

4.3.7 Ribble Valley Rural Public Transport Improvements

It is vital that people have the opportunity to access services and employment even if they live in the more remote rural areas. Public transport plays a vital role in Ribble Valley and a comprehensive package of improvements is proposed.

Ribble Valley requires a substantial upgrading of its existing bus shelters. The extension of the Lancashire Real Time Information System into main centres will increase access to travel information, increase confidence in public transport and complement the bus shelter programme.

4.3.8 Community Links in Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley is served by a variety of public transport services based on Clitheroe Interchange. Bowland Transit is a demand responsive bus running between Clitheroe and Settle. The Ribble Valley Rider service and Ribble Valley Community Transport provide further Dial-a-Ride services. Many rural transport schemes have struggled to become sustainable. The Ribble Valley Rider is still successfully serving many people in the community but is constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate in order to guarantee its future.

Transport to services is a common problem. Community Resource Centres (CRCs) are an innovative economic development to take services closer to users by establishing temporary service centres in local centres such as Village Halls. A CRC would operate once or twice a week and allow rural populations access to banking, food, health care and library facilities.

Combining CRCs with Demand Rsponsive Transport and Dial-a-Ride bus services will help to halt the decline of rural services and improve the local economy by providing communities with access to more of the produce and services that make Ribble Valley a unique rural environment.

Another innovative community transport scheme is the Ribble Valley Scooter Scheme. This will provide a pool of scooters for young people to hire to access employment and local facilities.

4.3.9 Countryside Access in Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley is a rural district with a significant part of its economy linked to leisure and tourism activities. Ribble Valley offers walkers a network of footpaths and wide areas of Access Land in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rangers from the Lancashire Countryside Service and a pool of over 300 local people organise local walks and support walking across Ribble Valley.

Bridleways are multi-user paths available to walkers and cyclists as well as equestrians. Three low mobility routes have been constructed in Beacon Fell Country Park and special buggies are available at the Bowland Visitor Centre. Under the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, bridleways will be improved to give access to the countryside for sections of the population who have not previously participated in active travel.

Improvements proposed in the plan include;

the extension of the North Lancashire Bridleway. This runs over Salter Fell from Halton in Lancaster to Chipping in Ribble Valley and will be extended through Wyre to complete a loop. It will be accessible to more users who will bring further custom to the rural economy.
extensions of the bridleway networks around Gisburn Forest and around Higham, overlapping Ribble Valley and Pendle
a link from Sawley to the Pennine Bridleway.
improved mountain biking facilities in Gisburn Forest.

Severance of the Rights of Way Network by roads carrying heavy or fast traffic causes problems. Sites proposed for safer crossings include Pendleton and Chatburn. A feasibility study will consider the possibility of extending the cyclepath along the former railway from Preston to Longridge. This would provide an alternative to the heavily trafficked B6243 to serve the Preston East employment areas and provide a route out of Preston to the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland.

4.3.10 Active Travel in Ribble Valley

Safe and convenient footways and cycleways will promote walking and cycling on journeys to school, employment and other important centres. They will improve accessibility for people with limited mobility. Measures to promote walking and cycling include School Travel Plans, Local Access Improvements and Local Safety Schemes.

We are working towards the Government’s target of every school having a School Travel Plan by 2010. Nine schools in Ribble Valley were targeted in 2004/05 and eight more in 2005/06. Seven schools have had their Travel Plans approved by the DfES and in March further plans will be submitted to the DfES for their approval. Schools will be targeted in 2006/07 based on the proportion of pupils travelling to school by car and the potential to change their trips to walking, cycling and public transport.

Town centre schemes will improve pedestrian, cyclist and wheelchair access to town centre services in Clitheroe and Longridge which both have a traditional high street shared by shoppers and through traffic. Improvements can be made to Whalley too. We carry out an annual programme of Local Safety Schemes prioritised according to their potential to save road casualties.

4.3.11 About Pendle

Pendle is the most easterly district in Lancashire and shares its border with North Yorkshire, Bradford and Calderdale. The main centres are Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick;

Nelson (population 29,000) lies in the Calder Valley between Burnley and Colne in the shadow of Pendle Hill in the Bowland AONB. Nearby villages include Roughlee and Newchurch, which mix industry with countryside and tourism.
Colne (20,120) lies at the end of the Burnley-Nelson-Colne conurbation in the Calder Valley. It is a market town with retail outlets including Boundary Mill Stores and Empress Mills. It has easy access to the Forest of Trawden.
Barnoldswick (10,860), an attractive market town in the countryside of West Craven, is the home of Rolls Royce who employ 800 people making aero-engines.

The Borough has a population of approximately 89,000 people of which around 14% are of Pakistani ethnic origin. The area is one of contrast, with areas of affluence sitting cheek by jowl with areas of substantial deprivation. The Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 show that the Borough is the 19th most disadvantaged in the country. There are seven wards among the 10% most disadvantaged nationally and these contain over 40% of the Borough’s residents. Pendle, like Preston and Burnley, is supported by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Table 4.3.11a Car Ownership in Households %

	No Car	One Car	Two Cars	Three plus Cars	Cars/Household
Pendle	30	46	20	4	1.01
Lancashire	25	45	24	6	1.12
North West	30	44	22	4	1.02
England & Wales	27	43	24	6	1.11

Source: Census 2001

Table 4.3.11b Journey to Work by Mode %

	Working from home	Metro, light rail or tram	Train	Bus or coach	Motor cycle	Car driver	Pass enger	Taxi	Bicycle	On foot	Other
Pendle	8.1	0.0	0.4	6.4	0.6	58.6	8.8	0.7	1.6	14.2	0.4
Lancashire	9.0	0.1	1.0	6.3	1.0	59.4	8.0	0.8	2.4	11.5	0.5
North West	8.4	0.6	1.9	8.6	0.9	58.4	7.5	0.8	2.3	10.3	0.5
England & Wales	9.2	3.0	4.1	7.4	1.1	55.2	6.3	0.5	2.8	10.0	0.5

Source: Census 2001

30% of households in Pendle do not possess a car, above the average for Lancashire. Public transport, cycling and walking are therefore especially important to local residents. The majority of journeys to work are relatively short; 32% are under 2km and 54% are under 5km. Journeys on foot are already above average but there is still the potential to transfer many more journeys to walking and cycling by improving the safety and convenience of local paths.

4.3.12 Existing Conditions and Linkages

Pendle is a diverse multi-cultural community. This submission dovetails with Pendle’s Community Plans and projects. Priorities are to improve the local environment, access to local employment areas and the overall quality of housing.

Contributions from Pendle particularly link to;

Pendle Strategic Plan
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
ELEVATE Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder
East Lancashire’s Future
British Waterways – Leeds Liverpool Canal Strategy
Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale PCT and the new £6.3 million Yarnspinners Health Centre in Nelson.

The communities and organisations in Pendle describe their priorities as;

We want better transport links and public transport
We want more cycle paths
We want less pollution and a greater emphasis on energy efficiency
We want to see a cleaner residential environment
We want that more green spaces in urban areas
We should use canals for business and pleasure
We want to feel safe and secure
We want better protection and safety for pedestrians.

A new Neighbourhood Management Team has been established in the Southfield, Walverden and Cloverhill areas of Nelson to give residents a greater say in determining priorities for their area.

4.3.13 District Communications

Pendle has good motorway links with the south of the region via the M65, which runs to the west of Nelson and terminates at Colne. Motorway traffic brings congestion to Colne and existing roads are unsatisfactory for the journey into Yorkshire. The A56 Villages Bypass will take through traffic out of urban areas and improve a vital link to North Yorkshire, supporting the regeneration of East Lancashire. The local railway line from Burnley also terminates at Colne. Stations at Brierfield, Nelson and Colne give direct access to Burnley, Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool. Pendle has an extensive bus network and the successful Mainline Quality Bus corridor connects the towns of Colne and Nelson with Burnley. Difficulties arise in the rural areas which lie outside the spine of the Pendle conurbation, with public transport services struggling to maintain commerciality serving the thinner population.

Despite the passage of the National Cycle Network through Pendle, cycle use is below the national average, but walking as a mode of transport is significantly higher (14%) than the average for Lancashire. The Leeds-Liverpool canal is also part of the local economy and transport network, providing an important cycling, walking and leisure facility. The canal also forms an important part of Pendle’s regeneration plans.

Bus services are important to the 30% of households who do not have a car. They maintain access to essential services and support social inclusion. The MainLine Quality Bus route runs from Padiham and Burnley through Nelson to Colne with some buses running as far as Barnoldswick. The Pendle Wayfarer offers a demand responsive service in rural Pendleside plus a Dial-a-Ride service in West Craven. At weekends, the Pendle Witch Hopper operates a circular route through the villages around Pendle Hill for residents and visitors alike.

The Rights of Way Improvement Plan will contribute to the aims of the County Council and the LTP, supporting;

Social Inclusion programme
development of accessible routes on the Nelson/Colne fringe
low mobility access improvements at Wycoller Country Park
development of the disused railway line from Foulridge to Earby.

Multi-user routes are under development from the urban fringe of Nelson and Colne to the Pennine Bridleway. 10 routes have been identified;

Barnoldswick Link; Esp Lane to Brogden Lane to the Pennine Bridleway at Pitt Lane Coates Link
Barnoldswick; Ben Lane to Salterforth Lane; fully accessible for disabled people
Earby Link; Birch Hall Lane via Mill Lane to Stoneybank Road to the Pennine Bridleway at Heads Lane
Bleara Road Link on existing bridleway
Kelbrook Link on existing bridleway
Colne Link; Alkincoates Park to Red Lane, Smithy Lane, Slipper Hill Lane to Gisburn Old Road to the Pennine Bridleway
Foulridge Link; Skipton Old Road to Cob Lane to Black Lane Ends
Laneshaw Bridge to Wycoller Link; fully accessible for disabled people
Nelson Link; Southfield to Catlow Bottoms via Crawshaw Lane to the Pennine Bridleway at Coldwell Reservoirs
Trawden Link on existing bridleways.

4.3.14 Key Schemes in Pendle

There has been regular consultation and participation with the Local Strategic Partnership as well as meetings with Pendle Borough Council to develop schemes to meet the LTP objectives. The key schemes for Pendle are;

Nelson Bus and Rail Interchange
A56 Villages Transport Study
Nelson-Rawtenstall-Manchester Quality Bus
Whitefield and Bradley Housing Renewal Accessibility Improvements
Pendle Cycling and Pedestrian Access Improvements.

Several areas in Pendle are currently in the process of Masterplanning, and the outcomes will provide more details of the measures. The table below lists the five key schemes and their impact on the four shared transport priorities.

Table 4.3.14

Summary of Schemes in Pendle and their expected impacts
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Shared Priority
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Congestion	Accessibility	Safer Roads	Air Quality
Nelson Bus and Rail Interchange	Nelson	Nelson	Bus Rail Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to bus and rail will reduce traffic flows and congestion.	Improved access by bus and rail to work, schools, healthcare and shops.	Car journeys transferred to bus and rail will reduce traffic flows and improve road safety.	Car journeys transferred to bus and rail will reduce traffic flows and improve air quality.
A56 Villages Transport Study	Colne and villages of Foulridge, Kelbrook, Earby and Thornton	Colne and villages of Foulridge, Kelbrook, Earby and Thornton	All modes	Study will recommend appropriate measures to meet all these priorities.
Nelson- Rawtenstall- Manchester Quality Bus	Nelson Rawtenstall and Manchester	Nelson Rawtenstall and Manchester	Bus	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and congestion.	Improved links from deprived areas to work, schools, healthcare and shops.	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and improve road safety.	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and improve air quality.
Whitefield and Bradley Housing Renewal Areas Accessibility Improvements	Whitefield and Bradley Housing Renewal Areas	Whitefield and Bradley Housing Renewal Areas	Bus Walking Cycling	Localised improvement	Better environment for access on foot and by cycle to local services.	Safer environment for access on foot and by cycle to local services.	Localised improvement
Pendle Cycling and Pedestrian Access Improvements	Pendle	Pendle	Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to active travel will reduce traffic flows and congestion.	Better access from deprived areas to work, education, healthcare and retail facilities.	Car journeys transferred to active travel will reduce traffic flows and improve road safety.	Car journeys transferred to active travel will reduce traffic flows and improve air quality.

4.3.15 Nelson Bus and Rail Interchange

The County Council is upgrading interchange facilities as part of a programme to improve travel by public transport throughout the County. The scheme is seen as a key element of the regeneration of Nelson Town Centre. The new bus and rail interchange offers the opportunity to provide a single transport interchange for Nelson. The proposed location based on the existing rail station faces the town centre.

The existing bus station is located under a multi storey car park with uncomfortable and draughty waiting areas. The railway station is elevated above street level and features a steep ramp to gain access to the platform which fails to meet DDA guidelines for accessibility. The rail and bus stations are some 175 metres apart offering poor interchange facilities.

The Bus and Rail Interchange will have;

covered passenger concourse leading onto 9 bus bays
direct link to rail station including new lift and staircase
refurbishment of rail station
Travel Centre including County Information Centre and rail ticket sales
electronic passenger information displays
CCTV coverage
retail opportunities on the interchange
toilet facilities
taxi and car drop off facilities
cycle stands
drop off bay for passengers arriving by car.

In addition it is proposed that the facility will provide;

staff on hand from first to last bus to offer safety and security for the benefit of all passengers
direct pedestrian connection from the concourse to the shopping centre by pelican crossing on Broadway
pedestrianisation of Railway Street with provision of new turning head and parking area on Railway Street
relocation of rail car park onto Broadway Car Park.

The scheme is being promoted jointly by Lancashire County Council and Pendle Borough Council with additional funding through the Pendle Partnership.

4.3.16 A56 Villages Transport Study to Consider the Village Bypasses and the Potential for the Colne to Skipton Railway Line

Further investigation is proposed into the future use of the disused Colne to Skipton railway line. There are two proposals which both seek to utilise this transport corridor, the A56 Village Bypasses and the proposal for reinstatement of the railway. There is also interest in the potential of this corridor for cycling, walking and equestrian use. The proposals for joint use of the alignment will be investigated and the timetable for the scheme considered in the light of the Regional Funding Allocation process.

The A56 Village Bypasses scheme intends to relieve traffic congestion and improve the environment in Pendle. There is strong local support for this bypass proposal to relieve the unacceptable environmental and social problems caused by congestion, loss of accessibility, perception of safety, severance and pollution at the eastern terminus of the M65, along North Valley and through the villages of Foulridge, Kelbrook, Earby and Thornton. Eliminating through traffic from Colne’s roads will enable bus priority measures to be implemented and facilities for cycling and walking improved. An assessment of the changes to parking regimes and traffic management is also considered part of the study.

The Colne to Skipton railway closed in 1970. The trackbed remains in place and there is strong local support for restoring the railway. There are stretches where the Villages Bypass is aligned along the trackbed. The County Council supports the reopening of the Colne to Skipton railway in principle but this provision may have significant cost implications for the delivery of the A56 Village Bypasses. We will consider in further detail the potential for the rail reopening and the option to accommodate both road and rail provision within this corridor.

4.3.17 Nelson-Rawtenstall-Manchester Quality Bus Extension

Pendle benefits from the existing Burnley and Pendle A682 Quality Bus route which has significantly improved public transport in the Borough. A number of enhancements could enhance this route providing a backbone for these additions.

Potential schemes are;

Pendle DRT - Demand Responsive Transport scheme complementing Pendle Wayfarer which would cover the area north of Burnley including Nelson and Brierfield. The service would provide cover for areas which have recently lost vital transport links and ensure large sectors of the community have access to hospital facilities.
Extension to existing Burnley / Pendle Quality Bus Route, which ends in Colne. The extensions would reach from Colne to Earby and Barnoldswick, splitting from a common route at Foulridge. These extensions would support the master planning which designates Colne as a market town.
There is potential for a Quality Bus corridor on the A6068 between Colne and Keighley to be introduced in partnership with bus operators and neighbouring authorities.

4.3.18 Whitefield and Bradley Housing Renewal Accessibility Improvements

Whitefield and Bradley are two areas with planned housing renewal initiatives. Both areas are within Nelson and would benefit from a number of linked measures which would complement the Housing Market Renewal projects and improve their accessibility and amenity.

Home Zones in Whitefield and Bradley would improve safety, amenity and their local environment and would complement the renewal process.

Pedestrian and cycling access improvements in Whitefield and Bradley would link them in a more effective manner to the Quality Bus corridor, benefiting both schemes. Cycle parking at key interchanges along the route and improved footways with quality local signage are suggested.

4.3.19 Pendle Cycling and Pedestrian Access Improvements

The Pendle Cycle Access Improvements are a set of inter-related measures designed to improve local and longer distance journeys. Longer distances are encouraged by linking cycling to local bus and rail interchanges and providing secure facilities for cyclists. Many improvements for cyclists will provide benefits for pedestrians too.

Secure Cycle Parking at Interchanges; a scheme in conjunction with the County Council’s BikeAid programme to provide secure parking at interchanges. A secure manned cycle parking facility in Nelson interchange has been developed to complement the Interchange as a facility itself and significantly improve local facilities for cyclists.

Cycle Parking Implementation; a scheme to install cycle parking in town centre, bus and railway stations in each of the Borough’s population centres with facilities for integrated longer distance travel for cyclists.

Pendle Cycle Festival; establishment of the Cycle Festival as an annual event in the Borough to;

promote and encourage cycling
promote Pendle
encourage tourism
aid regeneration.

Further works include;

maintenance of physical works to maintain the integrity of cycle infrastructure
lighting improvements on well used cycle tracks
development of the West Craven Cycle Path as multi-user path linking Earby to Barnoldswick via Salterforth
improvement of the canal towpath between Foulridge and Salterforth and through Barnoldswick
Colne Schools Link: mprovements to existing schools cycle path between Oxford Road in Nelson and Wackersall Road with a view to linking the scheme to the new Whitewalls Drive scheme
Nelson and Brierfield Schools Link: new cycle path and improvement measures
Barrowford Schools Link: improvement of existing signed cycle route
Completion of the Pennine Cycle Way NCN 68 including upgrading works to the canal towpath
Oxford Road to Gibfield Road cycle route: the landowner has already granted agreement for Oxford Road.

4.3.20 About Burnley

Burnley is a diverse multi-cultural community with 88,000 residents representing 6% of Lancashire’s total population. The regeneration of Burnley has been supported by a number of substantial funding regimes. The DfT Home Zone Pilot constructed in South West Burnley will provide a model for neighbourhood renewal within the ELEVATE programme in Burnley and adjoining Districts. The neighbouring town of Padiham is included in the Market Towns Initiative as Padiham Life.

This submission dovetails with local plans and projects to ensure that Burnley maximises its resources. Some of the major community linkages include;

SRB6 programme funding of £20 million over seven years (2000-2007) for projects in the areas of greatest deprivation; nearly half the funding will be spent on either demolishing or renovating housing in two Housing Focus areas
ELEVATE Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder leading the improvement or demolition of sub-standard and unwanted housing and regeneration in East Lancashire; £68 million has been allocated for the period 2004-06 to fund demolition, refurbishment and replacement housing in nine identified intervention areas of Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn and Blackburn with Darwen
East Lancashire PCTs have set up a Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) to provide new health facilities costing a total of £65M over 2003-2010 including St Peter’s Health and Leisure Centre in Burnley town centre
Building Schools for the Future programme to replace eight secondary schools in Burnley by five new 11-16 schools; a new sixth form centre will replace existing school sixth forms
Urban II programme (2000-2006) funding from EU worth £7.125 million enabling local agencies to deliver innovative approaches to community safety challenges; Burnley is one of only 11 areas in the UK to receive this type of funding
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund providing £5.2 million over the period 2001-2006 to raise standards in the areas of education, health, housing, crime reduction and employment in six targeted areas of the Borough
The Government’s Community Cohesion Pathfinder Programme has awarded £285,000 to East Lancashire Together for work to promote stronger, more cohesive communities
Community extension to Rosegrove Primary School and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre within the new Cherry Fold Community Primary School in South West Burnley
Towneley Park City Learning Centre providing state-of-the-art ICT training at Towneley High School.

Table 4.3.20 Principal industries in Burnley

	Burnley employee jobs	Burnley %	Lancs %	GB %
Manufacturing	9,200	26.1	19.1	12.6
Wholesale and retail trades	5,900	16.7	17.1	17.9
Health and social work	5,600	16.0	12.5	11.4
Education	3,100	8.8	9.7	9.0
Business and other services	6,800	19.2	22.0	31.0

Source; ONS Annual Business Inquiry 2003

Employment in Burnley has a higher than average percentage in manufacturing, and unemployment at 2.2% is also above the average for Lancashire of 1.7%. Quality of living is substantially lower than the national average and crime rates are higher. Of the 60 SOAs in Burnley, 13 are amongst the 10% most deprived in England. Greater accessibility to education and skills training and wider travel horizons will increase opportunities for better paid employment

4.3.21 Journeys to Work

Household income is comparatively low in Burnley; 34% of households do not own a car compared to the average for Lancashire of 25%. Nevertheless, travel by car is still the predominant mode of transport to work and is close to the average for Lancashire.

Table 4.3.21a Car Ownership in Households %

	No Car	One Car	Two Cars	Three plus Cars	Cars/Household
Burnley	34	45	18	3	0.91
Lancashire	25	45	24	6	1.12
North West	30	44	22	4	1.02
England & Wales	27	43	24	6	1.11

Table 4.3.21b Journey to Work by Mode %

	Working from home	Metro, light rail or tram	Train	Bus or coach	Motor cycle	Car driver	Pass- enger	Taxi	Bicycle	On foot	Other
Burnley	7.4	0.0	0.5	8.5	0.8	56.5	10.6	0.7	1.1	13.6	0.3
Lancashire	9.0	0.1	1.0	6.3	1.0	59.4	8.0	0.8	2.4	11.5	0.5
North West	8.4	0.6	1.9	8.6	0.9	58.4	7.5	0.8	2.3	10.3	0.5
England & Wales	9.2	3.0	4.1	7.4	1.1	55.2	6.3	0.5	2.8	10.0	0.5

Source: Census 2001

Burnley is notable for the high proportion - 57% - of work trips of less than 5km. There is great potential to increase the number of these journeys made by cycling and walking by providing safe and convenient routes to work, as well as to schools and other services. Many of the households without a car are dependent upon public transport, and bus travel at 8.5% is higher than the average for Lancashire. Bus travel has been supported locally by the construction of the strikingly modern Burnley bus station and the introduction of Quality Bus services on the important Mainline from Padiham to Colne.

Whilst the short distance travelled to work reflects the close relationship between employment and homes in Burnley, it may also be due in part to limited travel horizons in the local workforce. These can restrict training and employment opportunities, inhibiting job seekers from looking for work beyond a narrow area. We will improve access to education and employment locally and raise the quality of bus services to neighbouring centres. We will also improve publicity, marketing and ticketing to make the bus network more accessible.

4.3.22 District Communications

Burnley is an important town in the trans-Pennine link between Preston, Skipton and Leeds. It has direct access to the national motorway network via the M65 west to Preston or via the A56 and M66 south to Manchester. Burnley is served by two railway lines offering the trans-Pennine service from Preston to Leeds and a local service from Preston to Colne. Burnley benefited from a major new bus station in 2002 and has an extensive bus network. The Mainline Quality Bus route runs from Padiham via Burnley to Colne. Services are extended to Clitheroe and Accrington in the west and to Barnoldswick and Keighley in the east. Burnley Employment Shuttle Transport (BEST) provides a link between areas of deprivation and centres of employment.

Cycle use is below the national average, but walking as a mode of transport is significantly higher than average Lancashire or national levels. The Leeds Liverpool canal towpath is being upgraded to provide an important cycling, walking and leisure facility and is used by the Pennine Cycleway. Improvements to the canalside environment and better access to the town centre would encourage its use. The town centre is surrounded by an inner ring road that acts as a barrier to cyclists and pedestrians.

Projects identified in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan to improve access between urban and rural areas include;

Extension of the Bridleway Network around Padiham
Pennine Bridleway Link from Hapton
Safe Road Crossing near Shuttleworth Hall.

4.3.23 Existing Conditions and Linkages

The measures developed for this LTP are designed to complement the improvements being made across Burnley. The priorities are improving safety, pedestrian accessibility, public transport services and access to local employment areas. Contributions to the LTP come from;

Community Plan ‘Burnley’s Future’
ELEVATE Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder
LIFT project to improve health services
Regeneration in Action
NWDA
Lancashire Partnership
Burnley’s Local Development Framework
Local Action Plans for Burnley Wood and Healey Wood, South West Burnley, Daneshouse, Duke Bar and Stoneyholme, Piccadilly/Trafalgar area, Padiham, and Burnley Town Centre.

4.3.24 Key Measures for Burnley

There has been regular consultation and participation with the Local Strategic Partnership as well as meetings with Burnley Borough Council to develop schemes to meet the LTP objectives. The key schemes for Burnley are;

Towneley Improvement Zone
ELEVATE Housing Market Renewal Areas Transit Links
Safer Burnley
Burnley Cycle Projects
Building Schools for the Future Travel Plans.

The table here lists the five key schemes and their impact on the shared transport priorities of national and Local Government.

Table 4.3.24

Summary of Key Schemes in Burnley and their expected impacts
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Shared Priority
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Congestion	Accessibility	Safer Roads	Air Quality
Towneley Improvement Zone	Towneley, South Burnley	Towneley, South Burnley	Car LGV Bus Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will reduce congestion.	Increased accessibility to schools, services and leisure in Towneley by sustainable transport.	Neighbourhood improvements will make travel safer for pedestrians and cyclists.	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will improve air quality.
ELEVATE HMR Area Transit Links	ELEVATE Housing Market Renewal Areas	ELEVATE Housing Market Renewal Areas	Rail Bus Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to bus, train, walking and cycling will reduce congestion.	Increased accessibility by rail, bus and active travel to education, employment and other services.	Neighbourhood improvements will reduce traffic speeds and make travel safer for pedestrians and cyclists.	Car journeys transferred to walking, cycling and bus will improve air quality.
Safer Burnley	Burnley	Burnley	Car Bus Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will reduce congestion.	Increased accessibility to services for pedestrians, school children and vulnerable road users.	Improvements will make travel safer for pedestrians.	Car journeys transferred to walking will improve air quality.
Burnley Cycle Projects	Burnley	Burnley	Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to cycling will reduce congestion.	Increased accessibility to services for cyclists and pedestrians.	Off road paths will provide safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians.	Car journeys transferred to cycling will improve air quality.
Building Schools for the Future Travel Plans	Burnley	Burnley	Bus Walking Cycling	School journeys transferred to bus, walking and cycling will reduce peak congestion.	Increased accessibility to new secondary schools by bus, walking and cycling.	Improvements to safety through School Travel Plans and Safer Routes to School.	Car journeys transferred to bus, walking and cycling will improve air quality.

4.3.25 Towneley Improvement Zone

Towneley and neighbouring Burnley Wood are adjacent areas with planned housing renewal initiatives under ELEVATE and new schools from Building Schools for the Future programme. Both areas would benefit from a number of linked measures which would complement the Housing Market Renewal and improve their accessibility and amenity. The linked measures include;

Safer Routes to School: In parallel with the new schools, Safer Routes to School can be designed and implemented in areas which may put vulnerable users at risk.

Extension of current Home Zones: Some areas within the Improvement Zone would benefit from extensions of the current Home Zone. Home Zones increase amenity and safety of local neighbourhoods and the compact nature of terraced housing in these areas is conducive to Home Zone projects. Partnership working will be developed to resource this initiative.