Rossendale Cabinet changes announced

Date published: 17/05/2008

CLEANING up the borough and tackling parking problems are the main priorities of Rossendale Council's new ruling executive which has just been unveiled.

Council leader Tony Swain said he was convinced he now had a strong group to run the Pride of Rossendale scheme which aims to make the borough cleaner, greener and safer.

Since announcing his six-strong cabinet, Coun Swain has already rolled out the disc parking scheme further across Rossendale yesterday (wed) in a bid to reduce parking problems in the towns.

The leader said he had improved the titles of the portfolio holders on the cabinet in order to simplify them for the public.

Bill Challinor will remain the deputy leader and is holder for regeneration and leisure, while Brian Essex remains in charge of finances.

Janet Graham is responsible for neighbourhoods and communities, Darryl Smith joins the cabinet in charge of customer services and Peter Steen will watch over environmental matters.
Former cabinet member for green issues, Judith Driver, will take over as chair of the planning committee.

The re-shuffle was annouced after the Conservative group took three extra seats in the elections earlier this month.

Coun Swain said: "The reason for the change in titles is to make things simple to understand for the man in the street: the people who matter.

"There's now six in the chamber with a mandate to go forward as a group.

"We've also got five brand new councillors to bring their experience from different walks of life to the council - including returning coun Hazel Steen for Irwell and Peter Evans returning to Helmshore.

"The Pride of Rossendale will take up a lot of our time and resources to manage but we think it is particularly important.

"Disc parking has been rolled out to more car parks in Whitworth, Haslingden and Crawshawbooth - but not yet in Bacup due to the culvert being repaired.

"I'm sure when the work is completed, we'll be meeting with residents to discuss where and when the same will happen in Bacup.

"We've enforced certain long stay car parks and a new traffic enforcement officer will be monitoring the car parks."

There will be a warning notice period for three weeks at the following car parks where two-hour spaces are being enforced: Adelaide Street and Water Street, Crawshawbooth; Hall Street and Market Street, Whitworth and Coal Hey Street, Hindle Street and New Street, Haslingden.