THE future looks rosy for the Rossendale Hospital site said health watchdog chairman Frank Clifford, welcoming plans for a proposed £16 million development.

Neil Matthewman, director of planning at Burnley Health Care Trust, gave a presentation on the project at a well-attended meeting of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council at Rawtenstall Town Hall.

Coun Clifford commented: "It was a clear message to the people of Rossendale that there is a future, and a rosy one, for the development of NHS services in the Valley.

"It was very encouraging. There has been a feeling in the area that the hospital would shut and that everyone would have to travel to Burnley or Blackburn. That has now been firmly laid to rest."

Coun Clifford added: "It is an important message that there is definitely going to be new, modern facilities on site for all kinds of investigative procedures, including a cardiology service and day care.

"It is good news and very encouraging. A lot of preliminary work and site investigation has been done."

Mr Matthewman said the hospital represented a key part on Burnley Health Care service portfolio.

It should be retained to promote a modern health service for the people of Rossendale and developed to provide

quick access to diagnostic and treatment services, good local access to a comprehensive range of outpatient services, modern mental health services and medical rehabilitiaton beds.

Following an option appraisal of three possibilities the Trust has agreed in principle to build a new build hospital on the existing site, adjacent to the main Haslingden Road.

Mr Matthewman said it was felt that would be the most appropriate way of developing services for the future in modern, purpose built facilities.

A consultation exercise will be held in the near future to get the views of local people.