PLANS to build a new £3.2million bus station in Rawtenstall will finally go ahead after funding has been secured.

Lancashire County Council has announced it finally has the cash to invest in a new state-of-the-art bus interchange in the Valley after more than seven years of delays.

Town Hall bosses say precise plans of how the station will look have yet to be finialised but initial indications show the bus station will be placed on the existing site in Bacup Road with planners looking at a completion date of 2015.

Coun Tim Ashton, County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I'm very pleased that the council's strong financial management has allowed us to invest in a number of projects which will make a positive difference to Lancashire in the long term.

“The new bus station at Rawtenstall will be just one lasting legacy of this investment.

“We will continue to work closely with Rossendale Council to ensure that it adds maximum value to the redevelopment of the Valley Centre and makes public transport a better and more comfortable option for local people.”

Initial plans for a new bus station were drawn up in 2004 but had to be shelved because of a lack of funding.

Rossendale Council leader, Coun Alyson Barnes, said: “This is good news for Rossendale.

“It demonstrates clearly that in taking control of the Valley Centre we are giving confidence for other organisations to invest in the Valley.”

Redevelopment plans for the town’s dilapidated Valley Centre are to be considered at a planning meeting tonight. If approved, it would see the immediate demolition of the existing derelict buildings and creation of a public square.