Medical school to be based in Burnley?

Plans could see a medical training facility housed at the University of Central Lancashire site in Princess Way.

University chiefs have begun early discussions and Burnley has been identified as a potential new home for the independent medical school.

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said it was absolutely incredible that the town could soon be training medical staff.

He said: “It is the first time that we have had anything remotely like this before in Burnley.

“It is amazing. There will be people coming to Burnley to be doctors and surgeons. It would be unbelievable for the town.”

University bosses confirmed that talks were underway but said that an application for such a facility had yet to be made. A UCLan spokesman said: “The university has major strengths in dental and health-related education and has commissioned a feasibility study to examine the possibility of establishing an independent medical school.

“Currently UCLan is looking at the university estate to determine if existing buildings could be used to house the development. The Burnley Campus is being considered as part of that process.”

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said that the prospect of a medical facility in Burnley shows a growing confidence in the town.

Speaking after the visit of Business Secretary Vince Cable, he said: “We are the only town in the country getting a University Technical College and now we could be getting a medical school.

“We have got one of the best college’s around, we have got the university and we have got the UCFB College of Football Business. The town is really going from strength to strength.

“The confidence has absolutely rocketed. Burnley is the fastest growing town in Lancashire.”