Management consultant Iain Taylor has been newly appointed as chair of Rawtenstall’s
Town Board – and will oversee spending of £20 million.
The endowment-style funding over 10 years must be spent on issues that matter to local people under three themes: infrastructure, town centres and safety.
Iain, managing director of IMT Consulting in Crawshawbooth and chair of the Whitaker Museum, will work with the council to create a Town Board, to work out how to spend the cash to benefit Rawtenstall and the immediate surrounding area, as part of the Long-Term Plan for Towns initiative.
The Town Board will include local community leaders, business owners, councillors and the town’s MP, amongst others.
Iain (pictured) said: “I am delighted, honoured and excited for the future. The Town’s Board has the capability, responsibility and resources to set an exciting and ambitious plan for Rawtenstall and surrounding area and develop a fantastic programme of investments delivered over the long term to help make Rawtenstall – and Rossendale – an even better place to live, work and visit.
“I share the passion and affection many people have for Rawtenstall and the wider area.
The sense of community is strong, vibrant and proud – the support, energy and time people give to help make the place a success is clear and abundant.
“Rawtenstall enjoys a privileged position relative to Manchester and we need to maximise this with improved transport connections but also show that Rossendale is a viable location to develop a business and to attract entrepreneurs.”
Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Borough Council leader, said: “Our Town Board will drive
the priorities for investment, take on responsibilities for making change, and steer the long-term vision for the Rawtenstall and the immediate surrounding area hand-in-hand with local people.”
Rawtenstall was selected by the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities for the investment in March based on a series of metrics.
The board must be established by the beginning of June giving it time to develop a long-term plan to regenerate the town based on the priorities of local people.
A submission of the Long-Term Investment Plan must be in place by the beginning of November to release funding.
