A PUBLIC vote has decreed that Rawtenstall's Valley Centre is to keep its name following the planned multi-million pound redevelop-ment of the site.

After being presented with a number of different names and the opportunity to make their own suggestions for the building, the majority of voters opted not to change the existing name.

The decision was agreed at a recent meeting between CNC Properties, councillors and planning officials.

But the firm is keen to give the proposed residential units a different name in order to clearly differentiate property usage and to avoid confusion over postal addresses.

CNC Director Steven Caplan: "We are very happy to keep the existing name of the Valley Centre for the shops, restaurants, bars and public spaces."

"Compared with the possible alternatives, such as Bankside, Tramway Centre, Cotton Centre and Irwell Court, keeping Valley Centre in the name was the most popular choice."

Rossendale Borough Council received the planning application on March 16. A planning decision is expected in the summer.