THE OWNERS of Rawtenstall’s dilapidated Valley Centre have denied claims they are stalling the development.

Ashcap, who own the shopping centre in the heart of the town, have hit back at Rossendale Council after receiving a warning from them.

Director Findlay Macalpine has reaffirmed his intention to regenerate the venue, stating that Rossendale Council has refused to communicate with him.

He said: “I can understand the political concerns and to some extent their frustration.

“But we have sent proposals and ideas for them to work with us, but they have not responded.

“Rossendale council is turning my hair grey.

“We need them to work alongside us and we are prepared to lose money on the site for that to happen.

"The council won’t talk to us.”

Speaking at last week’s Cabinet meeting, Coun Tony Swain said Ashcap had shown “no intention of putting money into the site to improve it.”

Head of Regeneration for the council, Steve Jackson, said: “AshCap have had a valid planning permission for the Valley Centre since 2008 but have made no attempt to begin work on the Valley Centre.

"They have allowed the site to continue to deteriorate and become a blot on the landscape."