PLANS to move the council chambers from Hardman’s Mill, in Rawtenstall, to Futures Park, in Bacup, have been given the green light.

A decision was taken on Monday night to transfer council activities, including cabinet meetings and development control committees, to new offices.

As of spring 2010, Rossendale Council will hold its official meetings in Futures Park, Bacup, in a bid to save money on council business, and allow residents to access meetings more easily. It currently rents space in Hardman’s Mill.

Coun Christine Lamb, a member of the development control committee, said: “The move makes a lot of sense for financial reasons and transport reasons.

“The council will save a lot of money at Futures Park because the prices are so high at Hardman’s Mill.

“It’s also on a quality bus route for members of the public to attend the meetings easily.”

The council’s new chamber, which is nearing completion, will consist of a 188sqm ground-floor space, a comm-ittee meeting room, and an ancillary mayor’s parlour room.

A council spokesman said that though minor funds will be needed to transfer IT equipment for the ‘backroom’ staff who will be relocated, the overall cost will be minimal.

Bacup has become a rengeneration priority for the borough council in recent months and senior councillors are hopeful that Bacup is the right place to set up camp.

Coun Brian Essex said: “I’m pleased that the application has been appr-oved. We will continue to have a One Stop Shop in the centre of Rawtenstall which is easy and convenient for people to get to.

“We are regularly reviewing our accommodation options in order to ensure that we are delivering high- quality accessible services and getting value for money for the people of Rossendale.”

For more information on Rossendale council meetings visit www.rossen dale.gov.uk or call 01706 217777.