PLANS to create a new road network in Rawtenstall have been scrapped under revised proposals to transform the town centre.

The original masterplan was submitted last year, but amended plans have been put forward which will see the Queen's Square gyratory system kept as it is.

It comes after research showed the current road network would be able to accommodate an increase in traffic and actually help reduce levels of congestion.

The revised option would also see traffic signals to the Bocholt Way, localised road widening and the creation of a right hand turn lane into the fire station.

The ambitious, multi-million pound masterplan is set to create around 2,500 jobs.

It is due to go out to public consultation and presentations will include a virtual model of how the town could look.

The council is also planning to organise a series of roadshows to help residents see the vision for the future.

Now Dr Mike Lee, a co-opted member of the area's policy development overview and scrutiny committee, has also called for planners to take advantage of the railway and riverside to help revitalise the town.

He said: "These options offer exactly the same as the previous options apart from taking away the changes at Queen's Square and creating a civic building in the shopping area.

"It seems a pity not to extend the shopping area into New Hall Hey along the side of the East Lancashire Railway.

"To my mind, to have a steam railway on one side and a river on the other would create a perfect opportunity to develop the riverside. I would have thought it would be ideal for the leisure facilities such as restaurants and bars."

Planning officer Stephen Pimlott said: "This is what consultation is about, to find out if these options are right. We need to be careful not to shift the core shopping area away from the Bank Street area and create our own micro new town. It's a steady eddie approach."

It is predicted the plans could create jobs in new town centre shops, retail warehousing, offices, light industry, bars and restaurants, and the health and fitness and entertainment industries.

The latest report, drawn up by consultants Arup, Matrix Partnership and Donaldson's, moves Rossendale Council a major step closer to drawing up its final area action plan for Rawtenstall.

The options will pass to the council's cabinet on March 29 before the public gets the chance to comment on them for six weeks.

The plan will then be submitted to Deputy Prime Minster John Prescott for final approval. It is hoped the plan may be adopted by October 2007.