Barrowford in Bloom and Environmental Volunteers asked if the Parish Council would support a bid to the Pride in Place Impact Fund to provide a raised planter at the junction of Gisburn Road and Church Street. The Group wanted something that would represent Barrowford’s long association with the Cotton Industry which in its heyday had more than 10,000 looms weaving in Barrowford.

The last two weaving mills operating in Barrowford ceased weaving within the last 20 years Caldervale Mill on Caldervale Street and Lancashire Towel Company on Halstead Lane, Barrowford also had the last shuttle manufacturer in Pendle, Halstead Shuttles who were on Gisburn Road and closed in the 1990’s. All three of these factories have been demolished and redeveloped. The In Bloom Group decided that a planter in the shape of a shuttle would be an apt reminder of the once large number of mills within Barrowford.

An initial grant was made to the PIP Fund for £854.00 with the Parish Council providing match funding of £146.00. By the time that the grants were awarded and the final design and undercarriage had been agreed the cost had risen by £700.00 partially through world economics. The Barrowford and Western Parish Area Committee gave a grant of £350.00 and this was matched by Barrowford Parish Council to provide the full cost.

The planter was built by a local Barrowford Joiner out of Douglas Fir supported on a powder coated metal stand fastened to two concrete pads. The planter was displayed at Higherford Mill as part of an open day and was installed in late October. With planting expected in early November.

Planter on Display at Higherfor Mill

Both Barrowford in Bloom and Environmental Volunteers and Barrowford Parish Council acknowledge the funding and support of the Pride in Place Impact Fund administered through Pendle Borough Council and the matched funding from the Barrowford and Western Parishes Area Committee without whom this project would not have been possible.

Planter Installed at Junction of Gisburn Road and Church Street
Planted up at the beginning of November 2026