Civic leaders slam claim of ‘political’ protest at revamp
TWO civic groups have hit back at claims by the council leader that their opposition to Rawtenstall’s multi-million pound redevelopment plans is ‘politically motivated’.
Rossendale council’s Labour leader Alyson Barnes had attacked the Rossendale Civic Trust and Friends of Rawtenstall over their objections to the second phase of the Spinning Point scheme, saying that Conservative party supporters were at the heart of the groups.
Ms Barnes said: “They’re all politically motivated groups - if they’re not led by past Tory councillors, they are sat at the heart of these groups. The design team sat down with the Civic Trust every month - they agree in the room, and disagree out of it.”
She called on both groups to be constructive in their criticism of the project. She added: “Civic Trust are saying things we need to hear - but it is hard to hear when they object to everything.”
Kathy Fishwick, chairper- son of Rossendale Civic Trust, said party politics did not colour their view of the development, adding: “It is a poor design and we said that right from the word go - including objections to the demolition of the town hall and the closing of streets.
“We don’t want this to be a political football, this is about the future of the town.”
Peter Wood, chairperson of the Friends of Rawtenstall, said his opposition to the development is driven by his desire to prevent another Valley Centre from being built in the town, and is not motivated by politics.
He said: “I’m Rawtenstall and Rossendale born and bred. I want the best for the town and that is totally at the forefront of my objection.
“I’m for redevelopment - but this plan completely ignores the importance of Kay Street and Bank Street. By putting a hotel or apart- ments, with its back to Kay Street, it would separate the two and would cut Bank Street in half.”
Ms Barnes also accused the Conservative group and its interim leader Annabel Shipley of ‘playing politics’ in the way they have opposed the scheme, claiming they have not used their representation on the board of the RTB Partnership to voice concerns.
She added: “Coun Shipley hasn’t, at any point, mentioned to the chief executive that she is against the Spinning Point proposals either.”
Responding to her claims, Coun Shipley said that Tory opposition had been consistent and said their RTB board member had concerns which often could not be voiced in public ‘to maintain commercial sensitivity’. She added: “We’re in opposition, which is what Alyson Barnes fails to grasp.”