Who deserves highlighting in a Nelson history trail, murals or statue?

Nelson could potentially have new town centre murals, plaques, a history trail or even a statue highlighting its heritage and people, in small art or community projects linked to the £25million Nelson Town Deal.

The Nelson Town Deal Board is overseeing the government-backed regeneration scheme which includes demolishing and regenerating Pendle Rise shopping mall. Board members includes some Pendle councillors and council officers, along with business, education, NHS and community representatives.

Also involved is the In Situ arts organisation, based at Brierfield’s regenerated Northlight Mill.  In Situ works on various community, arts and heritage projects across the area including Nelson Re-Imagined and This Is Nelson.

Early ideas for a Nelson history trail have included figures such as cricket player Learie Constantine and women’s votes campaigner Selina Cooper. But more ideas are wanted.

People in Nelson were recently asked their thoughts by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

‘REMEMBER THE ELDERS’

Arshad Mahmood, a taxi driver, was on his way to prayers in the Markazi Jamia Ghausia Masjid at Clayton Street, near the Morrisons supermarket.

He said: “Statues are forbidden in Islam. But patterns and decorative carvings are often used in buildings or spaces.

“In terms of Nelson history, lots of people who have done good things including the Asian community. Especially some of the elders who first came here in the 1960s and ’70s. They helped people with all sorts of everyday things like hospitals, the local council, community and welfare associations. They were just ordinary people helping others, but a lot of people appreciated them. My mum and dad used to talk about various people who helped the community.

“There were also individuals who helped create the early mosques here. The first mosques were very small, in terraced houses or small buildings. There was one man who ran a Pakistan International Airlines travel agency but he spent a lot of time developing the mosques. We all benefited from that.

“I think the first Nelson mosque was near the Barkerhouse Road and Netherfield Road junction. Then there was a school at Cross Street.  Gradually, as the community grew, they had to find bigger buildings. In more recent times, the land was bought here for this newer mosque, which I think opened around 1990.”

CRICKET AND COBBLES

Trevor Stansfield said he use to run Ossies cycle shop in Nelson. Regarding a potential Learie Constantine cricket memorial, he said: “That’s quite a good idea. Learie was a good cricketer. And he used to play cricket on the streets of Nelson with all the kids. Nelson Cricket Club is a good club too. So I think Learie and cricket would be a good theme for a mural or whatever.”

But Trevor added: “Rather than new murals or statues, I think they should think about planting more trees and reinstating some of the old iron-and-glass canopies above town centre shop fronts.

“On Carr Road, there are two sycamore trees. But there used to be trees all along. Same with other streets like Barkerhouse Road and Netherfield Road.  Trees really enhance towns. We should plant more.

“In Nelson town centre, there are still a few iron canopies running along some streets and shops.  But there used to b more. They’re attractive and also protect people from the rain.

“I also like old cobbled side streets. Rather than creating something new, why don’t they spend money on the old side streets, rip-up the tar and uncover the old cobbles? Old buildings, old mills and cobbles have lots of character and charm.. People love seeing them. It could be good for tourism?

“Nelson has lost some nice old buildings over the years. But it still has plenty of Victorian buildings. These were well-built with solid stone. It would be nice to spruce them up. Burnley is the same. East Lancashire towns have some lovely architecture. The old Trafalgar House building in Nelson needs a new roof and repairs. I hope that gets fixed soon. ”

‘LET’S HAVE NELSON’

Carl Pawson runs the Boyces fishing, camping and gun shop on Manchester Road.

He said: “If there’s a new statue or mural, it should be of Admiral Nelson. In the past, Nelson did not exist as a place-name. There was Barrowford and Marsden. But later, as the town grew it was called Nelson, after the old Nelson Inn.

“If a statue was put up of Admiral Nelson, I think people would come to see it. Everybody knows about Nelson. I’m not sure they’d come to see a statue of a cricketer or someone else? Having said that, there’s a statue in Skipton of the cricketer Freddie Trueman.

“But they need to be careful with statues. In Nelson, we already have the weaving shuttle sculpture. But people call it the Scud – they say it looks like a Scud missile.

“But let’s put some pride back in the town. Let’s have statue of Nelson.”