THE number of complaints made about Rossendale Council have increased, new figures show.

A council report shows they received 109 complaints in 2016/17 compared to 98 the year before and 115 in 2014/15.

The highest percentage of complaints were made about the quality of service, action, response and communication.

When a complaint is made the council is expected to respond within 10 working days however the report states the average day last year was 12 days.

During 2016/17 the local government ombudsman received 22 complaints about Rossendale Council with three investigated, two of which were upheld and one not. All three concerned planning and development.

Four complaints were closed after initial enquiries and 10 were referred back to the authority and two remain open.

The report shows the council also received 107 compliments about its service. This compares to 144 in 2015/16 and 170 in 2014/15.

Most of the compliments were made about a staff member or team.