WILL Straw, Labour’s Rossendale candidate, has said if the Big Society is evident anywhere, it is here in the Valley.

Mr Straw made the comment after attending a health summit in Bacup on Friday organised by REAL (Rossendale Enterprise Anchor Limited).

He said: “The aim was to discuss priorities for a healthy Rossendale and the collaborations needed to make that happen.

“Presentations were made by Dr Di van Ruitenbeek, Chair of the East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dianne Gardiner, a specialist in public health at Lancashire County Council and Hazel Harding, Chair of REAL, among many others.

“The backdrop to the discussions was the rapid change forced on healthcare professionals and supporting organisations through the controversial Health and Social Care Act, the cuts to Lancashire County Council’s budget of more than £300 million, which is affecting public health budgets.

“This near revolution is causing a number of major challenges for those in the healthcare sector.

“We heard how the £3-4 million budget for health in Rossendale will be slashed, forcing a major consolidation of provision.

“But in light of these challenges, the community is stepping up in an incredibly inspiring way. “I was left reflecting that if the Big Society is evident anywhere, it is here in Rossendale.”