COUNCILLORS have formed their response to the Boundary Committee on the future of the valley.

Rossendale Council agreed that it supported a South East Lancashire unitary authority of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, including Whitworth, if restructuring goes ahead.

The changes would mean the combined authorities would carry out the work currently done by Lancashire County Council and the three councils.

Options suggested by the Boundary Committee have indicated that Whitworth should be linked with Rochdale.

Councillors said Rossendale want to keep Whitworth and Rochdale do not want to take over it.

At an extraordinary meeting of the council, councillors included an amendment to be submitted to the Boundary Committee that suggested all residents in Whitworth should be consulted as to whether they want to be included with Greater Manchester or Rossendale.

The council agreed to to have responses ready for submission to the Boundary Committee by February 23.