Grandiose statements that never see the light of day

The first is by Andrew Spencer in March which carried the headline “2250 skilled jobs boost” and showed a picture of Gordon Birtwistle, Vince Cable and John David from Pendle Council. The article said a 200,000sq ft North East Lancashire business park will be sited in the Grade II Listed Brierfield Mills complex. It received glowing praise from the three LibDems and anything which creates jobs has to be supported. Vince Cable described the proposals as really impressive.

I will jump forward a bit because a lot of what is said is self-congratulatory. However, later in the article it is stated Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Ltd (Pearl) is behind the plan and is a joint venture between Pendle Council and Barnfield Investment properties. This is in Pendle which, to the best of my belief, has nothing to do with Burnley.

Fast forward to an article by Hannah Ramsden on June 20th. This article did not receive the same prominence and a much less prominent headline on Page 13, reading “Elderly village plans for mill site”. The article states Brierfield Mill will be home to a new lifestyle model for older people, known as Evermore being developed by investment properties and Pearl and is a joint venture between Barnfield investment properties and Pendle Council on behalf of Evermore Wellbeing Ltd.

Tim Webber, managing director of the Barnfield Group, stated “we are excited at the prospect of this proposition in Lancashire first; combined with the regeneration of a landmark building.” It says construction will begin in autumn with sales beginning next spring.

What are we to believe? They are both supposedly proposed by the same people; but I have to say I believe the latter as it is by far the most definite. And let’s face it, the LibDems carry a lot of form when it comes to making grandiose statements which never actually see the light of day. But at least some jobs will be created, if only for a relatively short time.

K. Royle

Mizpah Street, Burnley