A new way for Rossendale – elected mayor bid takes to streets

Date published: 22 January 2010

RETIRED businessman Leonard Entwistle is planning to shake up local government in Rossendale and is taking his campaign to the door of every householder in the borough.

The grandfather has designed a leaflet to promote his campaign for an elected mayor and is hoping that this final push will secure him enough votes to have a referendum on whether voters want to see a change in how the Valley is governed. 

He needs just over 2,500 signatures from Rossendale voters in order for a referendum to be held to allow residents in the Valley the decision on whether to have an elected mayor.
Leonard, 67, who was a former councillor for Longholme ward, said: “I feel the time is right for a change to the way we have been doing things in Rossendale. For too long we have had the same system which seems to be standing still, we are not moving forward and the Valley is being left behind. 

“This country will soon be heading out of recession and I want Rossendale to be up there competing with the best of the boroughs, not squabbling over how to go forward. When that happens we do not need to be still nursing a derelict shopping centre and a well out-of-date bus station, but planning for the future with a vision and an ambition to be the best – to give the people who live, work and spend here the best.” 

If voters back a referendum, the council leader and chief executive would both be replaced by an elected mayor. 

“This would mean the residents of Rossendale would be directly responsible for appointing who runs their authority and I believe a businessman would be better able to carry out this job,” said Leonard. 

“There would be obvious cost savings right from the start because you would have one person doing the two roles. 

“I already have 1,000 signatures on petitions I placed in shops and businesses all over the Valley and I am very grateful to everyone who has signed. 

“Please read the leaflet when it arrives on your doorstep and should you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact me on 01706 211198 or 0783 6688 543.” 

The civic mayoral function,which will be undertaken next year by Councillor Trevor Unsworth, would remain unchanged. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL LEONARD ON 01706 211198 or 0783 6688 543