A SERIES of controversial suggestions to cut costs have been passed to Rossendale council’s ruling group by the opposition.

The Valley’s Liberal Democrat party have urged the council to scrap Haslingden’s existing market, axe the Deputy Mayor role, and reduce the number of councillors throughout the borough.

The proposals come after the council announced it will have to save £2.1million in the next two years because of the government’s cost-cutting measures.

Coun Catherine Pilling, leader of the Lib Dem group, said: “We would suggest that Rawtenstall and Bacup markets be retained and Haslingden market be closed in its present form.

“However, we would implement a weekly street market in Higher Deardengate in Haslingden which would attract visitors from both inside and outside of the borough.

“With the mayoralty, we feel that £119,000 spent on this essentially non-productive service should be trimmed back and the post of deputy mayor should be scrapped.

“We would also question whether the council needs 36 councillors in order to function efficiently and we feel that two members per ward would give an adequate service.”

Haslingden Market is currently based in Blackburn Road and opens on Tuesdays and Fridays with 80 specialist stalls.

Denise Dott, owner of Heads Above hairdressers in Haslingden, said a change in the market may prove beneficial.

She said: “It would be worth a try to change the set up of the market because the traders are really struggling at the moment.

“If they can save funds from adapting it then the funds need to be put back into Haslingden and not given to Rawtenstall or Bacup.

“We don’t even have hanging baskets outside our library.”

Decisions on potential cuts in the Valley will be made by the full council in the autumn when local government settlement grants are announced.

Tory council leader Tony Swain said: “It will come as no surprise to anyone that we have to make savings – just like every other council in the country.

“However, it is the priority of this council to protect front line services.

“The proposal regarding options around Haslingden market need to be looked along with all others that we are working on.”