AN artist is being sought to help design the future landscape of a town.

Bosses at Rossendale council are looking for an artist to lead the project as part of a new plan for Haslingden.

The town is in the running for National Lottery Heritage funding and the council is looking to appoint an artist to develop public art proposals for the Big Light project.

The project is a key part of the new vision and masterplan for the town. Haslingden 2040 was launched last year and has been shaped by residents and businesses.

The project includes plans to create new event spaces, shared green areas for people to meet and better pedestrian links.

Leader of the Council, and chair of the board, Councillor Alyson Barnes said: "Even in these really dark times we are still progressing with the plans and proposals to improve Haslingden as well as working hard on the bid to unlock millions of pounds worth of funding to put into the town.

“Public art is a very important part of the proposals so I am hoping this process brings forward someone with interesting ideas who can then bring them to life with energy and creativity.

“We will get through COVID-19 and through work like this, we will continue to deliver on the priorities of the people and businesses of Haslingden.”

Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio holder for Economic Development, added: "Despite the disruption COVID-19 has caused, officers have been working hard with the community on progressing this bid.

“This unprecedented crisis has not slowed us down. The proposals for Haslingden are very exciting – the town has so much potential. Though things are extremely tough for us all at the moment, we will recover and we will continue to work towards a town centre residents and businesses can be really proud of."