What Burnley has that we don't have!

Gayle · 23-10-2005, 10:12

A few weeks ago there was a thread on here about pride in Accrington. I think Margaret asked me what Burnley had that Accrington didn't have and it's taken me a while to get round to answering - sorry! Plus, I can't find the old thread so rather than wading through all the threads I decided it would be easier to start a new one.

Burnley, is under going a bit of a transformation at the moment, which proves that it is possible for a town to regenerate itself after suffering some terrible problems. They still mention the riots in Burnley at every opportunity and there are a number of BNP councillors there so it's always at the forefront of people's minds. But in some ways I think the fact that the town had sunk so low is what makes it so determined to get up and on it's feet again.

There are a number of initiatives in Burnley that are helping to restore pride - they're building a new state of the art health centre, a new dental centre and a massive super-school. The roads are clean and the town centre is always free of litter and rubbish. They have branded a campaign 'Better Burnley' and are getting companies to work together to promote this logo - it's only a small thing but it indicates optimism.

Arts and events are thriving in the town - the Blues festival is going strong, Towneley Hall is really popular, the Mechanics has some good acts on, the summer programme of festivals attract really big audiences - there is something going on every weekend, even in winter. I won't even bore you with the stuff the Mid Pennine Arts does but of course, the gallery is based there so there's always contemporary art events going on.

But what's really good is that the local paper has embraced the new initiatives and is mostly positive about the changes and this seems to spread to the people. Yes, there are still things wrong with the town, it's a ten year plan, but it seems to be working.

accymel · 23-10-2005, 11:56

I think you have listed many things just in there that Accy hasn't got!! I think the council dont interact well with the locals ideas & project <cough> ie broadway, they also involve their surrounding towns in their borough erm & seemingly Burnley Has a lot of investment & is worth that because they are doing it properly.

To be honest say accy aint your home ...where would you invest your big money Burnley or Accy?

Margaret Pilkington · 23-10-2005, 13:14

Thanks Gayle for taking time out to find the answer to the question that I posed. Burnley town centre is a lot cleaner and tidier than Accrington.....and it used to be a real dump. Whatever is being done has certainly improved the place. I was very impressed. I wish we regenerate Accrington in a similar way. The work being done on Broadway looks very mis-matched (and I am trying to be polite using that term) and not worth the money that has been spent on it. When it rained hard on Thursday, the large puddle that used to be where the Scope shop is, was on the other side of the street where you enter the Arndale. And who thought it would look good to put pale coloured paving slabs down and then put a river of tarmac through the town centre.
If that is artistic design.....then I'll eat my gusset!

Gayle · 23-10-2005, 13:30

A lot of it is down to attitude. The council are working to a ten year plan that has been developed by the entire council (all parties working together) and they've had a few big hits so people are starting to believe in them. Because the people are starting to trust the council, they're starting to be more open to more and more developments.

I'm not saying it's perfect and there are other places that are doing it faster and probably better but right here, right now, Burnley is doing what Accrington should be doing.

Margaret Pilkington · 23-10-2005, 13:40

I would certainly agree with the attitude bit.....and the attitude in Accrington seems to be....just toss your rubbish here it won't make the place look any worse.....it looks bad to start with!

If I could wave a magic wand I would make sure that there were Wardens/ Community Officers issuing on the spot fines for the people who just drop their Greggs pie bag where ever it falls. I would have CCTV cameras set up to catch the Graffiti merchants..... they would be tracked down and made to clean up their handiwork, and fined for doing it in the first place.
I would rent the market stalls (at a loss if necessary) to get the market up to full capacity. The empty shops too, would have reasonable rents to encourage a diversty of trade. The poor market, with empty stalls... and the empty shops in the centre give the whole area a faded and un-loved air.
Having said that Burnley market is a bit on the faded side too.

grego · 23-10-2005, 18:42

I went into town on Saturday morning and felt very sad when I saw the state of the market, quite a few stalls were empty and the ones that are there aren't very appealing, it certainly doesn't attract you and encourage you to shop there, Broadway as I've stated in a different thread is truly awful, Accrington used to be a thriving market town with great nightlife but not any more, sadly.

Neil · 23-10-2005, 19:42

It is very rare that I venture into Accrington shopping. I did last week, the first times in ages. I did not even leave the Arndale. Next time I must make time to have a look around at the mess everyone is reporting.

garinda · 23-10-2005, 22:38

We have a wonderful Victorian Aracade.

Is it filled with lots of interesting, independent retailers?

No.

It's half empty, and the rest is filled with catalouge seconds shops.

Bazf · 24-10-2005, 00:39

I didn't want to comment on this thread as I am not in the UK but I talk to my Dad weekly and he is a Burnley Lad born and breed, although he lives in Hapton he shops in Accy the reason... Burnley has gone down hill in the last few years and doesn't look like getting any better, the market is non excistent and he doesn't feel safe walking around the town he grew up in. A couple of years ago I came home for Christmas and went in to Burnley to get some last minute shopping not a smile on anyones face and customer service was a non starter in fact both my wife and I commented on the fact that not one person said "Thank you" as you passed over the money or left the store. Burnley may look the part but until you bulldoze the center and start again it won't improve.

Gayle · 24-10-2005, 08:49

I didn't say it was perfect, just that it was trying to get back on its feet.

Ian Britton's Perm · 24-10-2005, 08:53

I passed through Burnley en route to the game on Saturday. As the train pulled in, the mist descended (Beckham in town?) so couldn't see a damn thing. Still, the great man played for them so that's a plus.

Neil · 24-10-2005, 08:56

What has Burnley got that we don't? errrm.....Stoops Estate. I lived about 1/2mile from there during the mini riot 10+ years ago.

SPUGGIE J · 25-10-2005, 20:35

A half decent council and better shopping on the high street. The night life has to be better as well since on the first Saturday night down it was a shock to the system in Accy.