A COUNCIL leader has given a public message to his constituents about the progress the council has made over the past four months.

In the public message, Cllr Ken Hind, leader of Ribble Valley Council, has said his council has set about driving the local economy and pressing for the Westminster to allow local government to retain business rates.

The council leader also talked about the reorganisation of the management structure which has led to the creation of a new economic development department.

He said: "The council’s new economic development committee met for the first time last month under the chairmanship of Rupert Swarbrick and one of its first tasks is to review the borough’s tourism policy in consultation with tourism providers.

"The committee approved a new Heritage and Tourism Trail, which will feature Longridge Heritage Centre, the Ribchester Roman Museum, Stonyhurst College, Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe Castle and villages like Downham and Slaidburn.

"The Clitheroe town centre development configuration has been approved by the council’s policy and finance committee. A steering group has been set up to finalise the details and it is hoped we will have a final design by Christmas, and a planning application brought forward by the spring."

The leader also said the council is looking at ways to promote the Ribble Valley into a dementia-friendly borough and the need to built houses where the demand exists.