COUNCIL chiefs are hopeful a deal can be struck with the Post Office to allow the redevelopment of Rawtenstall's ill-fated Valley Centre.

Post Office bosses confirmed that the branch will remain open beyond Sunday when the current subpostmaster’s cont-ract comes to an end.

But Coun Tony Swain, leader of Rossendale Council, said assurances had been made that the post office – the last remain-ing shop in the centre – will only remain open in the short term and will not stand in the way of plans to redevelop the site.

He said the council and Post Office were working together to find a more permanent site elsewhere in the town centre.

The Valley Centre has not seen any work since developer Ashcap’s plans to create 116 apartments, shops, restaurants, a cafe quarter, and a 369-space car park, on the Bank Street site, were passed more than two years ago.

Coun Swain said: “If keeping the Valley Centre premises is only a short-term measure then that shouldn’t slow things up, but it could if they drag their feet.

“We have been in convers-ation with the Post Office and we are helping them to look for alternative premises in the town centre.

“We have had assurances that they are looking for town centre premises and we welcome that news.

“Talks are ongoing. I can’t say any more than that at this time.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “The current subpostmaster’s contract to run Rawtenstall Post Office comes to an end on October 31.

“We have appointed a new subpostmaster and hope to keep the branch open in the premises at the Valley Centre for the immediate future while we work on alternative plans to maintain service in the town in the longer term, as we are aware that there are proposals to redevelop the Valley Centre.”