'Curry mile would boost town's regeneration'

Independent councillor Faraz Ahmad said Nelson had "takeaways galore"

Calls have been made for a Lancashire town to develop its own "curry mile", similar to the one in the Rusholme area of Manchester that is nationally famous for its large array of Asian restaurants.

A Nelson Plan for Neighbourhoods board meeting was told the town needed more leisure and social activities to bring life to the town centre.

While nearby Colne has been revitalised with cafes and theatres in recent years, councillors have been told Nelson must come up with its own distinctive offer.

Independent councillor Faraz Ahmad told the meeting the town has "takeaways galore" which could be developed into a curry mile and help make the streets "more welcoming".

The "curry mile" of restaurants in Manchester's Rusholme area

Ahmad added: "Yes, we have issues with cars on double-yellow lines but these ideas are still worth thinking about.

"We have strips of takeaways but maybe a 'curry mile' destination can be developed?"

One local resident told BBC Radio Lancashire it was "a great idea".

"The curry mile is a special place in Manchester, full of a wide variety of cultures left and right and curry everywhere," he said.

"I adore it, it's the best food in the world and it would bring a lot more people into Nelson."

Ahmad said there was also a need for entertainment to attract visitors to the town.

Nelson Town Council is planning a winter festival and winter wonderland in Victoria Park this year.

He added: "We're trying to spread out, including winter markets. We've also contacted Hyndburn Council about youth markets and young entrepreneur ideas."

The £25m government-backed Nelson Town Deal, launched in 2020, has focused on property redevelopment and business growth, including the demolition of Pendle Rise shopping centre this winter.

The new 10-year £20m Plan for Neighourhoods was announced by the last Conservative government but given a wider community remit by Labour.

Meanwhile, Colne has had £6.5m in government levelling-up cash for projects including three theatre upgrades and Colne Market Hall's redevelopment, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.