SEVERAL major retailers have expressed an interest in opening up in Rossendale on a £25million scheme for the Lower Mills site, off St Mary's Way, Rawtenstall.

Managing director of Hurstwood Developments Stephen Ashworth said: "We are in discussions with Tesco and all other major retailers who are continuing to show an interest in developing the site."

He said only one business was left on the site now, the Proudwell Textile company, which he was hoping would be looking to relocate.

Rosebank Slippers has now relocated to Gaghills in Waterfoot, Rossendale Pine has closed and C & J Dyers went into liquidation.

Mr Ashworth said: "We are aiming to have something in place by the end of the year so we can start on site in early 2002.

"It will take about six to eight weeks to demolish the buildings and construction work will take 12 months with the store opening in 2003.

"Hurstwood has invested a lot of money in this scheme and we have spent the last three years getting Lower Mills to this stage and a number of years before at Newhallhey.

"We are looking to do something really special on that site.

"Rawtenstall has a lot going for it."