THE Mayor of Rossendale has called for an urgent meeting with tenants as a row flares over the allocation of stalls in the revamped Bacup market.

Coun Peter Heyworth also wants contractors working on the £500,000 refurbishment to finish as soon as possible so traders can move in and re-open stalls.

He has been approached by a number of traders, unhappy about the position of their new stalls and the length of time it has taken to complete the work, scheduled to finish in April.

Latest indications are that they will be back on site by the end of next month, but Coun Heyworth said: "I want the work finished earlier if possible. "The stone stalls have been built, street furniture replaced and workmen are in the process of painting the wrought iron railings. The only phase then left to complete is the resurfacing.

"I know there have been delays because of the weather. In February particularly there was so much rain that the bricklayers could only work eight days and they said only four of those were any good.

"I have asked environmental health officer David Taylor to call a meeting between officers and traders to discuss what is happening.

"I want this meeting as soon as possible to put an end to rumours and talk about what is happening at the market."

The market moved to the former co-op building and other stalls to Rochdale Road car park near the former Bacup baths.

The scheme to regenerate the market was funded by a grant from Europe.

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