COUNCIL bosses have defended complaints regarding workmanship on one of Bacup's most historic buildings as part of a £2million regeneration overhaul.

Pioneer Buildings in Rochdale Road has been shrouded in scaffolding for some weeks under the Townscape Heritage Initiative for the valley location.

But Cllr Jimmy Eaton, who represents the town's Greensclough ward, says he has been approached with a number of worries by the owners of the Conservative Club, Dansworks and other traders.

The former Co-op is one of several sites, including the former REAL building and various properties along St James Street, which are due for an overhaul as part of the THI programme.

Traders have also recently highlighted concerns regarding the perceived lack of Rossendale-based contractors being given work as part of the scheme, which is being overseen by Nelson-based Barnfield, the council's partner in the Rossendale Together Barnfield initiative.

Cllr Eaton told a full council meeting that particular concerns had been raised regarding the use of expanding foam, surrounding replacement windows, and the installation of single glazed windows.

"Dansworks and the Conservative Club have also been told that they cannot put up signs on the walls when this work has been completed, which have already been there for a number of years and cost them a lot of money," he added.

Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes said: "The work on the Pioneer Buildings has been carried out to a high standard, as is appropriate and in line with heritage techniques and specifications."

Heritage architects were on hand to deal with any 'snagging' issues, she told councillors, and there had been reassurances that the use of expanding foam was standard practice.

The single-glazed windows were also made of toughened glass and were in line with the recommended specifications for the building, said Cllr Barnes.

Councillors were told that the signboards for Dansworks and the Conservative Club did not benefit from planning permission and there were discussions ongoing with a traditional signwriter regarding replacements.

The next meeting of the THI board is set to take place at Futures Park on April 13, from 6.30pm.