It’s an old mill town that is charming and beautiful with strong stone houses and lush country at the end.
What are the reasons for this? I love a northern town. It’s in me. Mum was born there, and even though Darn Sarf was my upbringing, I find it very comforting to see a skyline of Victorian chimneys and rain-lashed stone. I know this sentiment isn’t shared by everyone. Colne was handsomely furnished by the mustachioed mill owners. Also, Colne had all the mod cons that a new city might require in the 19th century. This included a town hall by Alfred Waterhouse (Manchester town hall fame). It was a wise investment. More than 150 years later, Colne has weathered losing its cotton mills more successfully than any other town. It hasn’t made a Todmorden Bridge, nor a Hebden Bridge. But it is trying to stay above water. The gardens are full of flowers; the streets and shopping centers, despite Asdas or Matalans at the outskirts of town, are bustling; the community diary has plenty. The greenery of the countryside at the streets’ ends sends the heart racing.
The case against The Mills has been settled. Factory outlets and offices now replace the old mills, but the glory of the past is still there like Banquo’s ghost. It has its socioeconomic problems.
Is your business well connected? Rail: At the end, there is a slow hourly train to Burnley (12mins), Blackburn (40mins), or Blackpool (9 mins). Driving: 20 minute drive to Skipton and Keighley. Bowland and the Dales, Bradford, 40 mins. Preston, the M6 and Manchester take about half an hours. Leeds takes an hour.
Schools Primaries – Foulridge St Michael And All Angels CofE. Sacred Heart RC. Christ Church CofE. Lord Street. Primet. Laneshaw Bridge is “outstanding”. Park High School, Pendle Vale College, Ss John Fisher & Thomas More Catholic College have all been rated “good” as secondaries.
Rennie Goth sweetshop, circa 1956. Black Lane Ends, for Maturer readers. About Coffee or Green Chimney to have lunch.
Place to Buy A five-bed terrace can be purchased for as low as £120,000. Two-bed terraces cost half that. They were constructed by the Victorians. Albert and Keighley Roads are lined by fine specimens. On either side, there are smaller terraces. Poshest, a spine road with country views, is Red Lane. Castle Road. Skipton Old Road. Look out for charming villages like Wycoller or Laneshaw Bridge. Detacheds, £150,000-£700,000. Semis, £120,000-£300,000. Terraces, £50,000-£225,000. Rentals: two-bed houses, £350-£550pcm.
Is Colne A Safe Area?
Colne is considered a desirable area. You can see that crime trends have improved from 2018 to 2019. This is a good sign for this small town. Colne is becoming safer to live in because of this.
Colne is the Best
Colne is an ideal place to call home. Here are some of the highlights of Colne.
Affordability
Colne is the perfect place for anyone looking to relocate to an area of great affordability and contentment. Colne offers affordable rentals. Rents are much cheaper than Pendle or cities.
Travel
Colne is connected to all parts North West. No matter whether you drive or not, the town has excellent transport links by train and bus. Leeds and Manchester are approximately one hour away.
Funding
Colne was known previously as a town of mills. However, all factories will move on and the regeneration plans already in place will continue to work. Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration will create affordable housing in Colne as part a joint venture with Together Housing Group and Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration.
Colne is showing signs of support with £3.5m in new homes. There will be many opportunities to move into the area.
Authenticity
Colne is home for a variety authentic restaurants, shops and cafes. Carlos in Colne, an Italian eatery, has been located in the heart of the city for over 30 year. This restaurant is a must-see if you are looking for a taste of Italy.
There are several places that offer pub grub. Emmott Arms has been ranked number one according to TripAdvisor. The Tubbs at Colne offers all-day dining and is open from 9am-11pm.
Activities
Colne has plenty to offer for everyone. You can find everything from go-karting and shopping to sports teams all over the age spectrum.
Pendle hill, which is located just outside Colne, is perfect for anyone who loves to go on long walks outdoors. From the summit, which is located at 557m above sealevel, you will be able to see the Pendle District and further – there’s no better view.