Station concerns ‘political’ – leader

REGENERATION chiefs have denied that Rawtenstall’s town centre development timetable is “unrealistic”.

Rossendale council has applied to the Government for permission for a ‘stopping up order’ – delivering road closures around the new bus station site, as it seeks to begin construction works this September.

The construction stage cannot begin until a formal stopping up of North Street (west of Kay Street), part of Lord Street and part of James Street is granted. However, with permission still yet to be granted by Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, the works itinerary has been called into question.

At the recent full council meeting, public questioner Cuan Hoare, quizzed council leader Alyson Barnes.

Mr Hoare said: “When a minister makes such an order, there is six-week period to allow challenges to be made to the High Court before it comes into effect.

“This means that for construction or construction-related work to commence on September 4, the stopping up order has to be granted by Friday, July 21. Whilst discussions may be ongoing with them, Royal Mail Group has not withdrawn its objections. July 21 therefore looks most unlikely as a date for an order to be granted.”

In response, Coun Barnes slammed “politically-motivated” objectors for trying to ‘undermine and destabilise’ the redevelopment.

She told the meeting: “The refurbishment of the Old Town Hall is due for completion in April 2018 and construction of the new bus station starting in May and completed in November 2018, followed by highways improvement work and removal of the existing bus terminal.

“Constantly questioning the arrangements around this is one of a number of different tactics the socalled Friends of Rawtenstall are using to try and bring this project down.

“I believe your activities are wholly political, you want to damage me and the Labour group and you and your mates will stop at nothing to do that even if you risk damaging the future re-development of Rawtenstall town centre.”

Rossendale council said they have applied for the order and are now ‘working through any objections’, but insist the scheme is still on track.

A spokesperson said: “We are working with partners and interested groups on the stopping up order needed for Rawtenstall town centre development.

“We want to thank Rawtenstall Civic Trust for also working with us on this issue.

“Work continues at pace and is on track.”

‘Friends of Rawtenstall are trying to bring this project down’