COMMERCIAL property company Hurstwood has re-opened an office in its former headquarters in Haslingden.

Hurstwood relocated to a £2million office development in Bolton’s Navigation Park in the summer of 2008, but has taken the decision to increase its presence in the valley after completing a series of letting deals in the area in recent months.

Coun Alyson Barnes, leader of the Rossendale labour party, said she was hesitant to welcome the company back into the Valley.

She said: “I can see how it is good news for them as they are coming home.

“However, I just hope they can start to fulfil the their obligations with some of the projects which remain open here in Rossendale.

“At present we do not know their plans.”

Council bosses have been hoping to secure traders at Hurstwood’s former New Hall Hey retail site in Rawtenstall, which was left half-built, by Christmas.

Mark Carling, Hurstwood head of sales and lettings, said he had been involved in the New Hall Hey Business Park talks in recent weeks.

He said: “There is no doubt that we have been extremely active in Rossendale in recent months helped by the fact that we are offering exactly what people want, great value and flexible lease terms.

“It makes real sense for the property team to have a satellite office in the area.

“Link 665 is a great location, it’s good to be back.”

Hurstwood has commercial property interests in the North West, Midlands and Wales with 500 occupier clients in 80 locations.