A CONTROVERSIAL plan to charge for car parking in Rawtenstall will go out to public consultation.

The scheme could generate an extra £80,000 per year, with town centre shop and office workers being asked to pay £450 a year.

Councillors are keen to seek views of local residents and traders in a bid to combat on street parking for people trying to avoid town centre payments.

The issue will be discussed at the next raft of area forum meetings next month.

David Hancock, deputy council leader, said: "This is something that should have been dealt with a lot earlier in the year. It was part of the budget.

"There are a number of other things that need to be brought in at the same time, it's better to get it right rather than getting it done quickly.

"Getting it right means looking at the traffic regulations so that they don't have people parking outside their houses because they don't want to pay the car parking charges.

"I would like to work with the Chamber of Commerce and other bodies that have an interest." Councillor Nick Pilling added: "It's an opportunity to sort out some of the problems we have in Rossendale."

Parking charges are expected for Newchurch Road, Kay Street, Millgate, Town Hall and Phipps Buildings with Roberts Street and Ormerod Street being identified for disc parking.

A decision was originally expected for January, although that is now being put back to allow time for more consultations.

Residents are invited to attend the next area forum meeting at Haslingden High School from 7pm tonight.