A SHOP owner in Bacup was unable to get urgently needed advice from Rossendale Council's planning department because all the officers were out at a best value meeting to discuss improving services.

Coun David Hancock told the full council meeting: "He was having his shop painted and recognised that because it was in a conservation area there might be controls on the colours he could use

"He rang the offices at Stubbylee Hall but there was not a single planning officer in.

"It was suggested he speak to the heritage officer but he was not there either.

"It seems they were all out at a best value meeting about providing services."

Coun Hancock said either there should be cover or that people were available on mobile phones when advice was needed quickly.

He added: "This man had the contractors coming and didn't know what to do."

Engineering and planing committee chairman Coun Christopher Wadsworth replied: "We expect planning officers to be out there and not just stuck in an office.

"We have a vacancy we have been unable to fill but there are administrative staff up there who could take a message.

"If the officers were in a meeting their mobile phones would be turned off.

"In any event, he left it to the last minute to contact planning on the day when the contractors were coming."