STAFFING shortages have prevented work being carried out on a comprehensive review of conditions of licences issued by Rossendale Council.

A working group was established at a meeting of the council's licensing sub-committee in November.

Chief Executive Steven Hartley will tell a meeting of the sub-committee on Wednesday: "I have been unable to allocated resources to this task at the present time given the continuing staff shortages within my administrative section."

In a report to the sub-committee he adds: "At present the chief administrative officer is absent from work through illness and there is a vacancy for the post of administrative assistant.

"Members are reminded that the New Constitution has placed additional pressure on the administrative staff and preparatory work for the forthcoming elections must take priority."