ROSSENDALE has welcomed a new district partnership officer who will help build bridges between local authorities to bring out the Valley's "huge potential" for future success.

Jerry Smith, the new link-man between Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Council, thinks the town's, leisure, tourism and the area's diverse economy already provide the basis for future jobs and wealth.

Jerry, formerly district partnership officer in Burnley, is now based at Rossendale Town Hall. He said: "Rossendale has a very diverse economy already. Leisure and tourism, however, have to be a large part of the future.

"But it needs everyone to work together -- that is what my job is about. Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Council are already doing a lot in the area and my work is to ensure that we co-ordinate our efforts.

"Rossendale is ideally placed in terms of developing tourism and leisure. There also needs to be work in the town centres and the county council is in a position to help on matters such as the new bus station."

Every district and borough council in Lancashire has now been assigned a district partnership officer by the county council. The partnership approach avoids duplication of effort and increases chances of winning Whitehall cash. Lancashire County Council leader Hazel Harding said: "Our job is to ensure that Lancashire is engaged with the Community Plans that have to be produced in every area.

"Jerry has a first-rate background in this type of work and has the vision necessary to make the most of the opportunities in Rossendale."

One of Jerry's first exercises was taking part in Saturday's "Glimpse into the Future" conference, held at Alder Grange High School, in Rawtenstall, to start planning a 15-year plan for housing, the economy, health, crime and the environment.

Rossendale Council leader Graham Pearson said: "Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Council have always worked well together. Combining our efforts should pay even more dividends in the future."