ROSSENDALE Council has a new Conservative group leader, its third in less than 18 months.

Cllr Val Roberts, who represents Greenfield ward has promised to ensure the borough becomes less’ Rawtenstall-centred’.

She takes over from Eden ward’s Anne Cheetham, who became leader in May last year after Darryl Smith stood down from the council.

Cllr Roberts beat former leader and Greensclough representative Peter Steen in a secret ballot of the borough’s 13 Tory councillors.

Married to Helmshore councillor David Stansfield, she was elected for the first time in May last year.

Cllr Roberts said: “I am determined to revitalise the Tory group on the council and re-invigorate the borough.

“The Labour group who run the council are too Rawtenstall-centred and I want to ensure they consider the rest of the borough, not least towns like Haslingden.”

Cllr Cheetham, who has become deputy chair of Lancashire County Council, said: “I could not combine the two jobs and wish her the best.”

Cllr Steen said: “I am sure Cllr Roberts will do a very good job.”