Gallery: Borough holds future of Rawtenstall's £3.5m bus station (From This Is Lancashire)

Gallery: Borough holds future of Rawtenstall's £3.5m bus station

12:20pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By Chris Adams

PLANS UNVEILED Residents pose their questions at the meeting

THE future of Rawtenstall’s proposed new £3.5million bus station is in the hands of the borough council, the leader of the county council has said.

A new site plan for the scheme was unveiled on Monday evening, but land ownership issues are still to be resolved if building is to be given the go-ahead.

County Coun Geoff Driver told a public meeting the capital funding set aside for the project by Lancashire County Council (LCC) would remain available as long as he is leader.

More than 50 people gathered in the Old Fire Station, in Burnley Road, as County Coun Driver, LCC’s director of transport and strategic highways Mike Kirby and public transport policy manager Chris Anslow outlined their vision for the depot.

County Coun Driver said: “The question of a new bus station for Rawtenstall town centre has been going on too long. There is a concern that if we don’t get it moving these resources will go elsewhere.”

He said he had written Rossendale Council leader Alyson Barnes in December asking for her thoughts on the plans, but she had not replied.

The county council wants permission to build on sections of Rossendale Council-owned land, including a 12-metre strip of the new town square and two car parks in North Street and James Street.

County Coun Driver said: “I hope it’s not a sticking point. You must accept the ball is in Rossendale Council’s court at this time.

“I accept the issue must go through the democratic process. Please do it as quickly as you can.”

Coun Andrew MacNae, portfolio holder for regeneration, tourism and leisure at Rossendale Council, said officer-level discussion was ongoing between the councils and that a report would go before a Rossendale full council meeting on February 27.

He said: “In principle we’re thrilled but we’re in the middle of a development scheme for the town centre with out partners in Barnfield Construction and the bus station has to integrate.

“We only have one opportunity to get it right.”

The latest station plans involve relocating from Bacup Road North Street.