PLANS to extend operations at a Rossendale household waste recycling centre for a further three years have been welcomed by a Valley councillor.

Residents caused a stink when the site at Rake Head, Blackwood Road, Stacksteads, was used as a tip four years ago -- which meant traffic problems for locals.

But since it was changed from a landfill site to a recycling centre in 2000, county council chiefs feel that the best option for Rossendale would be to extend the opening of the centre until 2009.

Residents were expecting the site to close in 2006 -- but after other options were assessed an extension to keep the site open a further three years was seen as the way forward.

Stackteads ward councillor Christine Lamb said: "Residents previously had a lot of problems when it was used as a tip as they had heavy wagons going up and down the narrow road day and night.

"They complained about noise because skips were attached to the wagons with chains and they could hear the clanging. They said the wagons were speeding down the road and were concerned for the safety of children living in the area.

"But both myself and fellow Stacksteads ward councillor Michael McShea haven't received any complaints from residents since .

"It's in quite a good location because it can't be seen from the roadside and it's mainly cars that go up there now."

A report has now been submitted to Brian Johnson, cabinet member for urban and rural regeneration, before a planning application is drawn up.