Start of work on Brierfield Mills project is in sight

The Growth Deal will see an extra £17.2m. invested in local projects, on top of the £251.1m. announced in July.

The Government will also work with Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership to bring together other funding - to support the delivery of this deal.

The deal includes support for the transformation of the iconic eight acre Brierfield Mill site (which will be renamed Northlight) into 71 retirement flats, a 78-bed hotel and spa, leisure facilities, business units, with a new marina, and a family pub.

This is something readers will know I have been campaigning on for over five years and its inclusion in the Growth Deal is the result of countless meetings, visits and debates.

I pay tribute to the efforts of Pendle Council’s former leader Mike Blomeley for agreeing with me it was right for the council to buy the site and for current leader Coun. Joe Cooney for overseeing the development of a vision for the site.

Also the role of Tim Webber MBE, of Barnfield Construction, cannot be underestimated in bringing together around £20m. worth of private sector investment.

There are still a few hurdles to overcome, including planning permission, but the start of work is now well within sight.

Back in Westminster, I was delighted to take Mary Brennan and Sally Lambert, trustees of Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends, to a reception at No.10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister’s wife, Samantha Cameron, hosts receptions on a Tuesday evening for charity champions and I was proud to attend with two really remarkable women from Pendle.

The work Mary, Sally and all the other members of the Bosom Friends group do is truly inspiring and I was very pleased to see that recognised at No. 10.