ROSSENDALE could soon get its own state-of-the-art bus station.

If proposals get the go-ahead, the new bus station will be built on the former site in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, currently owned by Rossendale Borough Council.

Lancashire County Council has agreed in principle to provide funding for a new station modelled on successful developments in Burnley and Chorley.

A meeting has taken place between Rossendale Ccouncil deputy chief executive and Jean Yates, county councillor cabinet member for highways and transport.

Coun Yates said: "The plans link in with Rawtenstall town centre's redevelopment plans being carried out by Modus. Rossendale Borough Council asked the county council to consider funding the re-building and providing a completely new bus station.

"Plans haven't been drawn up yet but the new station will include a fully covered area and an electronic sign system that will tell travellers when buses are expected to arrive and depart. We don't know if the money is available yet but we will try and get it in April for the next financial year."

Burnley's multi-million pound bus station has won four design awards in the year since it opened.