THE Mayor of Rossendale Coun Jimmy Eaton yesterday said an emotional farewell to Rawtenstall's Astoria Ballroom when it finally closed its doors to the public.

The New Year is usually a time to look to the future but the closing of the Astoria marked the end of an era in East Lancashire, memorable for ballroom dance nights to the wonderful Jimmy Heyworth band and appearances by supergroups in the 1960s and 70s, which drew huge crowds.

Hundreds of local people, who have used the popular venue since it first opened in the 1960s, gathered at a spectacular final pre-Christmas dance organised by Coun Eaton.

He said the event raised more than £3,000 for the Mayor's Charity Fund, which is an important part of any civic year.

Coun Eaton, who has organised a number of rock 'n' roll parties at the Astoria, took time out to plan the extra special extravaganza before the final closure.

He has been involved with the ballroom for more than 15 years and was critical of Rossendale Council's decision to close leisure centres, which would help the authority cut £400,000 from its budget. He labelled it a 'wrong move'.

Coun Eaton added: "The farewell event was extremely well-attended, like all the others at the ballroom.

"People can't understand why such a popular venue has to close. It is a very sad time for me and a lot of others in the Valley who have used the Astoria since it first opened. People need somewhere to go for functions and it was the perfect place".

Coun Eaton, and co-organiser Dave Edmondson, put on a night to remember at the ballroom on December 7, with more than 400 attending the party.

The Astoria is set to be included in town centre plans to redevelop Rawtenstall

A private company has also expressed an interest in using the building. It is thought work to redecorate the interior of the ballroom will start in the next couple of months.

It was among four leisure facilities closed by Rossendale Council following a disastrous inspection by the Audit Commission, which placed the authority 237th out of 237 -- branding it the worst in the country.

Whitworth Baths, Bacup's A, B and D Centre and Haslingden Public Hall were the three others included in the closures.

Rossendale Museum, in Whittaker Park, Rawtenstall, also facing a shutdown, has been saved in a deal with the Museum Service at Lancashire County Council.