Have a say on merger

All councils across the region, including Rossendale Council, were asked by the government to give their views on the future shape of local government across the North West to the Local Government Boundary Commission by September.

When the Boundaries Committee reports back to Rossendale Council, residents will have a chance to their have their say on proposals for a Unitary Council.

Rossendale has chosen two options, the first choice being a link with Burnley and Pendle, with an alternative to join with Blackburn and Hyndburn.

Smaller district councils like Rossendale Borough Council, and shire councils like Lancashire County Council, are likely to disappear if the people of the North West vote next year for a regional 'parliament'.

Officers of the Labour Group, however, want to ask people in Whitworth and Edenfield whether they would like to join with Rochdale or Bury because of local connections.

A survey carried out before the Rossendale Council submission showed that Rossendale people wanted to stay in Lancashire.

It also showed that people in parts of the borough close to Bury and Rochdale related more closely to these towns.

Labour Group deputy leader Coun David Hancock said: "When we know what the Boundaries Committee is recommending, the alternatives will be put to people throughout the borough so that they can have their say.

"However, my colleagues in the Labour Party have suggested that Whitworth and Edenfield may be a different case from the rest due to their existing links with adjacent Metropolitan councils so our members are aiming to carry out a poll in these areas.

"This will be a simple way of getting a view of where people see their future, which may be different from the rest of Rossendale.

"These two areas are a part of Rossendale but, to a large degree, relate to their neighbours."

The Boundaries Committee is due to report in December, with views being sought on proposals after Christmas.