THE Leader of Rossendale Council has revealed how he pushed for more details about a multi-million project during a meeting with former Secretary of State Estelle Morris.

Councillor Graham Pearson also said he used the opportunity yesterday to help create a firm link between the Government and local authority Labour groups.

Coun Pearson told Ms Morris the borough council needed more details on how the recently-announced Pathfinder cash would benefit the area.

He said: "We talked about general issues within the council and various things that the Government are going to be announcing. I just think that Labour groups were saying we need a link between the national party and local Labour groups.

"The main thing we talked about was the Pathfinder projects. The point she will be taking back to Westminster with her is that we need to have some clear picture about the Pathfinder initiatives and the financing of it.

"The meeting was very useful because I think it is a great pity she had to step down as a Secretary of State. Rossendale is one of five local authorities, including Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle, included in the East Lancashire Pathfinder area, which will receive a slice of the £500 million government funding available during the next three years.

Half of the homes in the Bacup and Stacksteads area were built before 1919 and many are no longer in good condition.

The most recent survey showed 400 properties were empty and more than 100 of them derelict. A 15-year programme will get under way in Rossendale with a series of residents' meetings and polls to get views on the future look of the town.