CONSERVATIVE Party leader William Hague was shown around a newly-refurbished office and conference complex by the Rossendale family firm who restored it.

Mr Hague came to St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall to deliver a rousing speech to Tory candidates in May's Rossendale Council elections.

He was welcomed by the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, Coun George Lee. Mr Hague told party members: "As Labour said before the last General Election, it is time for a change. Labour councils have taken people for granted for too long. Common sense should be applied to running councils and that is what people want in Rossendale."

Coun Lee, who represents Greenfield ward, said auditors had critised Rossendale Council's performance.

He criticised the way Labour was running the authority and claimed poor management had meant getting rid of experienced council officers.

St Mary's Chambers was re-opened last year as an office and conference complex, and 40 new job places have been created there.

Family construction firm B and E Boys Ltd restored the building, and boss Brian Boys showed Mr Hague around. Mr Boys said: "Four new businesses are operating from St Mary's Chambers which is great news for Rossendale. My sons John, Michael and Peter all took part in the refurbishment and I felt honoured to show Mr Hague round."