FOUR firms have expressed an interest in buying Ski Rossendale, it has been revealed.

The news comes after the council was advised by a leading business consultant to sell it off.

Now councillors will decide whether to go ahead with plans to offload the Rawtenstall attraction at a meeting on December 17.

Council chiefs have not named the interested companies but have revealed their intentions for the site.

One firm would consider several redevelopment options including a retail unit, changes in the design and layout of the ski slope, investment in new attractions and a new restaurant.

They would refurbish the reception, changing areas, snack bar and ski surfaces.

The second company is described as having an “excellent track record of delivering this type of development worldwide.”

Their proposal includes the complete redesign and refit of the slope, new lodge facilities including a bar, restaurant and shops and improved car parking.

The third option is from a firm “which includes highly experienced snow sports and sports consultants”.

They plan to convert the attraction into an outdoor sports leisure facility, combining holiday chalet properties, a bar, restaurant and club house.

They would also develop a small indoor snow facility for teaching and children’s parties along with an outdoor artificial snow slope and fun park.

An existing ski village that took on a similar failing facility and made it profitable have also shown an interest in taking over the site.

A council spokesman said: “Ski Rossendale remains a key leisure facility while requiring significant financial investment.

“Cabinet agreed to explore options within the private sector to provide investment for Ski Rossendale in order to find a long-term solution.”