MOTORBIKERS, cycle groups and businesses could be asked for their views on improving parking and street design in Barnoldswick town centre.

Elsewhere, people in Earby are being encouraged to think about what could enhance their town centre – perhaps including an events space?

Bikers and cycle groups have grown and are important to the local economy, Pendle Council’s West Craven Area Committee heard at its recent meeting.

With various Barnoldswick town centre improvement bids and plans under-way, councillors said motorbikes and cycles need to be fully considered too.

The discussions came in updates on the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme and other West Craven town plans. Two public realm schemes in Barnoldswick and Earby have been allocated funds.

In Barnoldswick, footpath improvements on Newtown have already been agreed. Traffic improvements along Newtown and Rainhall Road are to be consulted on.

Regarding the town centre square,  Lib-Dem Coun Tom Whipp said: “We have got motorbikes coming on the setts and parking in the square. It’s not ideal for others. I know why they do it because they don’t want to get knocked-down by cars. They want to be able to see their bikes too. I understand that.

“I wonder if there’s a compromise? We need to ask what the best way forward is? What would be used? I think it’s important that we provide access for motorbikes. The bikers support local businesses. We could write to groups and Rusty Spoke. Groups can provide advice.”

Lib-Dem Coun Mick Strickland said: “There are lots of groups and social media groups. They have gathered since the pandemic, when people wanted to get out.  Interest in bikes and scooters has gone up. In the past, we wanted to do something there which could stay in place, rather than being taken away for events. ”

Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp, chairman of the area committee, said sustainable travel and cycle facilities also needed some thought.

He said: “We’ve had talks about cycle racks as part of street furniture. Cycles need to be stored close to where people go, so they can keep them in sight. Not out of sight around the corner.”

Lib-Dem Coun Chris Church said motorbikes and cycle needs may be relevant to the Barnoldswick one-way traffic consultations. He said: “We could involve groups to those talks. There may be spaces created that did not exist before?”

Meanwhile at Earby, improvements are being carried out at Victoria Road. Work will mainly be replacing stone flags and hopefully done this the autumn.

But councillors felt that there was an opportunity to do more in Earby. They said small physical changes to side streets, such as trees and new crossings, could create big benefits for residents, town centre environments, shops and visitors. Councillors encouraged more people to get involved with the Earby ideas, including Earby Town Council.

In the past, the town council had rejected the idea of having an events space, said David Whipp. However new town councillors may think differently.  Earby could benefit from some imaginative ideas, it was said.

An events space could also be created in Earby, councillors added, They highlighted the Earby Events Group which was doing good work, they felt.

The area committee agreed to ask a council engineering team to consider installing bike bars in council car parks and to ask if Lancashire County Council would allow Pendle to turn a parking bay into motorcycle bays.

They also recommended cycle racks to be included as part of street scene furniture in town centre improvements.