MAJOR national retailers and businesses are in talks with Rossendale Council about opening up on the New Hall Hey retail park.

According to the regeneration boss at the local authority, there are no firm offers yet, but the council is ‘very, very close’ to sealing the deal with several firms. The business park in Rawtenstall has been empty since built in 2007.

Coun Andy MacNae said: “ A whole lot of businesses are moving in and negotiations are on now.”