BUSINESS leaders have sent a postcard featuring a dilapidated Rossendale landmark to all the borough’s councillors to prompt them into action over the site.

Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce’s postcard, which comes ahead of Rossendale’s annual state of the borough meeting, shows the boarded-up Valley Centre with the slogan ‘Welcome to Rawtenstall’.

The rear of the card reads: “Wish you were here? Well, you are here, and you are also empowered to do something about the state of our town.”

Councillors have reacted angrily to the postcard saying that it was ‘a complete waste of money.’ But David Gould, of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, said: “I saw the photo online and I was shocked.

“Even though we see the state of the Valley Centre everyday, there’s something about this photo that captures how bad the whole thing really is.

“I sent it around the councillors to wake them up because they are the only ones who have the power to do something about the awful condition of the site.”

The postcard urges members of the council to attend the debate which will be held at St Mary’s Chambers on Wednesday 26.

But Coun Michael Gledhill said: “I’m sure I speak for the other members of the council when I say this postcard is a total waste of time and money.

“The chamber of commerce want as many people to come to the debate, but they have failed to show up at so many of the council meetings in the past.

“I for one would love to see them get more involved with council activity.”

Councillors passed plans to build 116 apartments, shops, restaurants, a cafe quarter and a 369-space car park at the Valley Centre in February.

Developers Ashbourne subsequently announced that it was reducing the number of apartments in the scheme due to the financial downturn.

The plans are currently being redrawn by the developers ahead of being resubmitted next year.

Here’s six reasons to be cheerful about Rawtenstall:

  • Jane Horrocks – the award-winning actress who has starred in Little Voice, Life is Sweet and Absolutely Fabulous, was born in the town.
  • Ski Rossendale – one of the country’s largest dry ski slopes can be found just outside Rawtenstall.
  • Nino’s Italian Restaurant – has built a fantastic reputation since opening in 1986.
  • Rawtenstall market – dubbed the “friendliest market in the world”.
  • Fitzpatrick’s Herbal Health – the country’s last surviving temperance bar.
  • Rossendale Harriers and Athletic Club – based at Marls Pit Sports Centre, the club is famous for producing top-class fell runners.