Welcome to The Briercliffe Society Forum

Battle to save hospital facade.

Conservationists are fighting to ensure that the facade of the old Burnley General Hospital is saved.
Members of Burnley Civic Society are campaigning to keep the attractive front of the building, which is earmarked for demolition, as they feel it is an important part of the town's heritage. They are also pushing for the retention of the front of The Plane Tree Hotel in Westgate, which is in poor condition, but of historical importance.
Members have also expressed concern over a plan to change the skateboard centre at Bankhall Works into an engineering factory. They say it is more suited to leisure use and there are fears it could open the way for further commercial development.
The society has been working with Burnley Borough Council to find a new home for the former Thompson Centre frieze. Members will work with the council to secure funding once the site has been finally chosen and the design and costings completed.
At the latest meeting of the society, members voiced their disappointment over the state of the road leading to Towneley Hall, as a result of being used by contractors' vehicles.
Projects such as the Townscape Heritage Initiative, the Finsley Gate Wharf, the proposed Sandygate Square and the regeneration of Extwistle Hall and The Holme are still very much alive and there is hope they will come to fruition.
Members are looking at restoring the old Co-op sign on a property in Branch Road. They are concerned that the council and it's officers are using the term "Pennine Lancashire" instead of East Lancashire when discussing the area, and the views of the town's tourism officer are being sought.
The AGM will be held in Burnley Town Hall on Wednesday, November 12th at 7-30p.m. with the councils head of planning Mrs Susan Graham, speaking on the towns conservation area and the new procedures concerning planning and listing of buildings.



Stephanie.