STAFF at Rossendale Council housing department are preparing to relocate to Hurstwood Court, in Rawtenstall, next month.

Employees will move into their new home on December 23, as part of the authority's drive to modernise and improve services for tenants.

The neighbourhood offices at Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, and Whitworth, are set to close on the same day.

The aim is to give customers a range of alternative ways to contact the council about housing issues and other general inquiries, while staff remain on hand at the new site. Bacup Neighbourhood Office is not affected.

Council staff will also be increasing home visits to help residents with mobility difficulties.

Neighbourhood office staff are available on 01706 836333, or a freephone repairs direct line has been set up during normal working hours on 0800 707 6666. The out-of-hours repairs line is 01706 853121.