Deputy Leaders monthly update
I’m standing in for Alyson this month whilst she is away. I want to use this column to talk openly about three issues that matter to residents: the future of our Waste Transfer Station, Lancashire County Council’s decision on gritting in Rossendale and the situation at Back Meadows in Bacup.
I know how important the waste transfer station issue is to residents however we must recognise that change is needed to our current Henrietta Street facilities. The changes in legislation along with the closure of Whinney Hill by LCC meant we had to take a serious look at our provision in Rossendale. Decisions like this are never easy, but we have to face them honestly and pragmatically.
New government regulations mean we must process waste differently. Food waste collection will begin in April 2026, and recyclable materials such as cans, bottles and cardboard will soon need to be handled in enclosed facilities with strict environmental controls. Without investment, Rossendale will be left with an outdated infrastructure that cannot cope.
That’s why we are proposing a state-of-the-art enclosed building, not an open yard. It directly addresses many of the concerns residents have raised and will ensure we comply with environmental law while protecting local services.
It’s also about fairness. Rossendale Borough Council has the legal duty to collect your waste, while Lancashire County Council as the collection authority decides where it goes and pays for its disposal. Both roles are essential, and both bring responsibility. LCC should therefore shoulder their responsibility by contributing to the capital cost of a new facility.
We also know there are genuine concerns about Henrietta Street. We hear that. Balancing the need for modern infrastructure with community impact is central to our decision-making. To provide clarity, we’ve published a set of FAQs on the council’s website so residents can see the facts for themselves.
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I also want to address the closure of the gritting depot at Futures Park. Reform members at Lancashire County Council have suggested Rossendale Council pushed LCC out. That is simply not true. LCC have since admitted it was their decision to leave, claiming it will save them money and improve services by running our gritting from Burnley – ten miles away!
Anyone who has tried to get over Deerplay in winter as I have, or down Burnley Road into Rawtenstall during a snowstorm, knows how quickly those roads turn dangerous. Suggesting gritters travelling from Burnley will get here faster or provide a better service defies local experience.
We recognise the concern this raises, especially for those who rely on safe journeys to work in health and social care. The official explanation is that the retaining grit bay walls at Futures Park need significant repairs, in my view due to historic and current underinvestment in the site, but whatever the reason, Rossendale residents are losing our local base – and that raises real doubts about service quality and road safety over winter. As our residents know this valley faces very different weather patterns to Burnley, and we need gritting that reflects those local conditions, we urge our Reform Lancashire County Councillors to further consider the impacts their decisions could have on Rossendale communities.
Finally, an update on Back Meadows in Bacup. Rossendale Borough Council repeatedly refused the developer’s applications for this site. It was the national Planning Inspectorate that overturned our decisions and allowed the scheme to proceed.
That was not what the council or residents wanted. But once an Inspector rules, no local council can simply block development. What we can do, and are doing, is enforce the strict planning conditions attached to the approval. Our officers have monitored the site throughout, and when breaches were identified, a breach in condition notice was issued without delay. Our officers will continue to closely monitor progress to ensure all conditions are met. We must stress that this approach exists for all developments.
It is also important to be clear that upholding the law applies to everyone. The rules that govern developers are there to protect residents and the community – and the same expectation of lawful behaviour applies in return. Respecting due process is the only way we can resolve these issues properly and fairly.
These are difficult issues, but we cannot shy away from them. Whether it’s securing a fair contribution from Lancashire County Council, challenging decisions that risk local services, or holding developers to account, we will continue to stand up for Rossendale and for our residents.
And finally, our annual residents’ survey is now open and will run throughout October. Last year saw a record number of people take part, and your feedback played a key role in shaping the new Valley Plan. This year’s survey is just as important, it gives you the chance to share your views on council services, priorities, and the wider vision for the borough. Please take a few minutes to have your say and help us deliver the services and improvements that matter most to you and your community. You can take part here: https://bit.ly/RBCresidentsurvey25
Alyson will be back for the next column but as ever you can always contact us at alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk or get in touch with me at AndrewWalmsley@rossendalebc.gov.uk