THE north's biggest motorbike show is to stay in Rossendale - at least for the time being.

Organisers of the annual Rossendale Valley Bike Show had threatened to move, after a row with council bosses over charges. But at the Show's annual general meeting the committee decided to keep this year's event - the sixth - in Rawtenstall.

And organisers have pledged to make the 1998 show the biggest and best yet. Show chairman Tony Winder said the committee was looking for an alternative place for the show because, with 25,000 people attending in 1997, the Phipps car park on Bank Street proved too congested.

Last year, for the first time, the show occupied Whitaker Park. Mr Winder said new attractions would be staged there, with Phipps car park given over to the increased demand for trade stands.

Free buses are likely to operate to the park, along both Haslingden Road and Haslingden Old Road and the committee is looking at a park and ride scheme to make getting to and from the show easier.

A total of £8,570 was raised for charities by the 1997 event. Cheques will be presented on March 10. Among the major beneficiaries are Rossendale Hospice, Lancashire Life Education Project, Tow View School, the Police Zero Tolerance Campaign and St John Ambulance Brigade.

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