Christmas lights could be switched on again in Rossendale after a change of heart by councillors.

Lights were banned from the Valley's streets and town centres in a bid to shave £20,000 off the borough's spending plans.

The cash was needed to improve the entrance to the town hall for disabled people.

Now the scheme is back on the table after pleas from residents' groups.

Residents in Edenfield have offered to put up their own lights if the council provides a Christmas tree. And Helmshore Residents Association has asked for help with lights for the village carol service.

Initially, councillors turned down all requests for help, but are to have another look at the whole question of Christmas lights at the next meeting of the leisure committee.

Committee chairman Coun Lawrence Forshaw said: "Everything is now back on the table." One option would be for the council to provide trees in areas where local people were prepared to foot the bill for lights.

But councillors may decide to light the Valley as usual, particularly following major town centre improvements across the whole borough.

Bacup's new market, funded by European money, is opening shortly.

Plans to restore an authentic Victorian-look to Bank Street, Rawtenstall's main shopping street, funded by a Heritage Lottery grant, are the subject of a public meeting later this month.

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