COUNCILLORS are optimistic about the chances of raising enough money to refurbish a decaying town centre mill to turn it into new civic offices.

Financial details of plans to redevelop Rawtenstall's Ilex Mill were discussed by Rossendale Council's policy committee behind closed doors.

Councillors were told a realistic financial package now looked possible, with some cash coming from government sources such as English Heritage and the rest from the sale of council buildings in Rawtenstall and Bacup.

Two-thirds of the listed building would be occupied by the council and the police, with the remainder available for other tenants.

Council leader John McManus said: "There are still some hurdles in the way of getting Ilex Mill refurbished and getting rid of that dereliction in the town, but it seems enough money is in place from different sources."

The main hurdle will be the purchase of the mill from the Oyston group and the application to have the building de-listed. If a sale cannot be agreed, the council is prepared to compulsorily purchase.

Coun McManus said there was also a question mark over how much money the council would get from the sale of its town hall in Rawtenstall and Stubbylee Hall in Bacup, where the engineering and planning departments are housed.

But he said councillors were sufficiently confident to open talks with Rossendale Transport about moving the bus depot from its present site on Bacup Road.

A major extension of Rawtenstall's shopping centre - from the bus station to the present Valley Centre - hinges on the move to Ilex Mill.

Shoppers and householders in Rossendale are being asked about their shopping habits in a bid to determine the level of retail expansion the Valley can sustain.

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