Neighbour hood board told Nelson FC have big plans for the future

Nelson Football Club could be a massive asset for the town’s regeneration and community pride, even though big-name Burnley Football Club is nearby, members of the Nelson Plan for Neighbourhoods Board have said.

The board believes Nelson Football Club’s location should be added to an extended zone covered by a new government-backed £20million regeneration scheme phased over ten years.

The Nelson club, nicknamed The Admirals, plays in the North West Counties League First Division North . Founded in 1882, Nelson’s first reported match was a 3–1 home defeat to Burnley Olympic that year. In 1923, it won the old Football League Third Division North then reached the old Second Division North.

The modern Nelson Football Club was discussed at the latest meeting of the Nelson Plan for Neighbourhoods Board, previously called the Long Term Plan Board at Nelson Town Hall.

The neighbourhoods plan is the new name for the former Nelson Long Term Town Plan, originally launched last year by the former Conservative government.  The same phased £20million offer from Westminster remains – but the project’s scope has been widened by the Labour government with a greater emphasis on leisure, green spaces and communities. There is also an opportunity to extend its official geographic zone, if the government agrees.

For clarity, this £20million project is different to the £25million Nelson Town Deal, which focuses on major property and economic projects including Pendle Rise shopping centre and business growth grants.

The new neighbourhood board includes some Pendle councillors and staff, along with MP Jonathan Hinder and community, business, police, health and education representatives.

At this week’s meeting, council officer Sandra Farnell said Nelson Football Club had previously shown interest in the long term plan. Now the boundaries of the area covered were being reviewed, the club’s site and green surroundings could be added, if the board wished.

She said: “Nelson Football Club approached council officers, asking if they could be part of the project. They have been working with young people and want to expand their facilities. Quite a lot of finance has come from two individuals at the club, looking to replace an old wooden stand and provide a food kiosk. They are also working with Nelson & Colne College, the YES Hub and the wider community. The club wants to act as a real anchor organisation.

“And now under the government changes, the revised neighbourhood plan has wider scope with more emphasis on leisure and green spaces.”

Labour Coun Asjad Mahmood, Pendle Council’s leader, said: “I think the potential boundary change is a positive development. But I think the football club needs to be pro-active in its role. It can play a massive, positive role for Nelson and the surrounding area, which we perhaps have not seen in the past.

“Football is massively important. We have Burnley Football Club down the road. We cannot replicate a Premier League or Championship club, but Nelson Football Club is still really important. It can help with the town’s aspirations – but it needs to be inclusive.”

He added: “This board’s annual general meeting will be due soon. That can formally ratify all the latest roles, review the board membership and any additional members.”

The neighbourhoods board chairwoman is Claire Bennett, who is chief executive of the Positive Action In The Community charity. She said: “Nelson Football Club has a long history. It’s been through lots of phases and nearly disappeared. But now, there are new guys there doing new things. I think the club is currently top if its league and looking for promotion.

“If we are going to bring them into this project for engagement, I think that would be worthwhile. We cannot promise funding. But let’s not ignore them when they offer so much as an asset to the town.”

She added: “I think the football club want to engage with the community. I’ve had conversations with them. They know I’m on this neighbourhood board but have other community roles too. We’ve spoken about lots of topics – a lot more than money – and they were still keen.”

Conservative Coun Ash Sutcliffe said: “I agree. Football brings people to the table and opens-up engagements. It would be a two-way relationship with access to their people and community, and feedback. And perhaps funding opportunities too?”

The neighbourhoods plan board agreed to recommend adding the football club to its zone. Pendle Council will send an update to the government for approval.