PLANS to redevelop Rawtenstall with a range of new town centre attractions should bring more people into the town, councillors claim.

Rossendale Council is to consult on plans for the regeneration of the town centre which could include a new cinema, microbrewery, bars and restaurants and large open space where events would take place.

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Plans for Rawtenstall's new £3.5million bus station were recently approved by planners as part of phase 1 of the town's £20 million regeneration plan and work set to start in June or July.

The new plans which may form part of phase two and/or phase three, may also include around 22 residential units.

The current public space in the town centre is set to be used for a new farmers market starting Sunday April 24 and will be staged thereafter on the last Sunday of every month.

Leader of the council, Cllr Alyson Barnes, said the plans could increase the amount of leisure time people spend in Rawtenstall, while redevelopment of the town centre could also help the town's flagship Bank Street to be sustainable.

She said: "We are looking at the feasibility. Some of it will make it and some won't. It is not set in stone.

"If we can improve footfall into the town it will help Bank Street to be sustainable in the long term. And it links with the residential accommodation.

"Once you get people living in the town centre they will be coming and going after 5pm.

"At the moment you struggle to get a cup of coffee after 4pm in Rawtenstall. It's about trying to put more life into it and so people can spend more leisure time in Rawtenstall."

Janice Terry, owner of A Right Royal Tea Party, a cafe off Bank Street, welcomed plans for redevelopment, she said; "I would be happy with that. It's a lovely little town.

"I've only been here just over a year. It would be nice to have something other than charity shops.

"We are doing all right but it would be nice to have more visitors and put Rawtenstall on the map."

Michael Gilmore, owner of Simply Electricals in Bank Street, said the council also needed to promote what is on offer in Rawtenstall.

"I will welcome it if it ever happens. It's not just about development it's about getting the message out to people outside the area about why people should come shopping here," he said.