Rossendale set for 100 new jobs following regeneration schemes (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rossendale set for 100 new jobs following regeneration schemes

10:53am Thursday 26th January 2012 in Rawtenstall By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

NEARLY 100 new jobs are heading to Rossendale after regeneration schemes in Rawtenstall and Bacup were given the go-ahead.

Discount giants Family Bargains will now proceed with proposals to convert the former Focus store in Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall.

Bosses from the Northhampton-based chain fought off opposition from the nearby Winners store in New Hall Hey Road.

Management there claimed their takings had dropped 45 per cent over the past year and the staff roll had dropped from 34 to 14.

But Rossendale’s development control committee approved a condition change which would allow Family Bargains to use 15 per cent of the floorspace at the old DIY store to sell food and drink products.

Planning consultant Graham Parker said: “You could not do a weekly shop at Family Bargains.

The range is there for either impulse or top-up shopping. The main lines are more bulky goods.”

Coun Lynda Barnes said: “I welcome this because it is going to employ 55 people, which is what we lost when Focus moved out. At the end of the day I think that this is the best use for this building.”

Meanwhile at the other end of the valley orthopedic implant specialists Orthoplastics, based in Grove Mill, Todmorden Road, Bacup, have seen their ambitions to overhaul their Victorian headquarters succeed.

Managing director Andrew Brooks confirmed that an extra 55 posts are set to be created, bringing the workforce to around 140.

Coun Pete Roberts expressed concerns about the replacement for the former Northern Lights building, as a grey metal roof would replace slates.

But Mr Brooks said that the building was not visible to outsiders as it is behind a retaining wall.

Coun Amanda Robertson, committee chairman, added: “It is nice to see that a factory is staying in the area, refurbishing premises and employing more people.”