RESIDENTS are to receive the opportunity to have their voices heard after the latest in the saga surrounding the £9million Clitheroe market development plans.

After calls for an ‘extraordinary’ meeting on the developments last week, councillors have now agreed to a council-led public consultation on the proposals for the market site.

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Lib Dem Leader of the opposition Cllr Knox, who made the call for the meeting, is pleased that the public will finally get the chance to get their voices heard on an important subject.

He said: “All along we have be calling for real consultation about the redevelopment of the market.

“The previous consultation was the ‘take it or leave it consultation’ you get from developers building hundreds of houses, which is not real consultation at all.

“The market belongs to everyone and that is why it is vital everyone has their say.”

Submitted by Nelson-based Barnfield Construction, the plans for the market featured a 60-bed hotel, retail and leisure units, a 56-space car park and a three storey market hall.

Traders and councillors alike had previously voiced their concerns on the plans and the lack of opportunity to have their voices heard.

Cllr Stuart Hirst, leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: “We fully recognise that the development proposals must be subject to the widest possible consultation to ensure that residents clearly understand the options and can take ownership of the huge economic boost that can result.

“We can now move on to launch our own public review which will address current concerns and precede the formal planning stage.”